Overtaking

When your PWC encounters another powerboat running in the same direction and the powerboat to the rear (astern) desires to pass, it must stay out of the way of the vessel being overtaken and passed. The vessel doing the overtaking is the give-way craft. The vessel ahead and being overtaken is the stand-on craft.

The stand-on vessel is expected to maintain its course and speed. During this passage, the powerboat ahead, the stand-on craft, may not slow down, speed up, or cut left or right. The passing powerboat, the give-way vessel, may pass on either side of the stand-on vessel as long as it stays well- clear of the boat ahead. Again, during this passage, the boat ahead, the stand-on craft, may not slow down, speed up, or cut left or right.

PWC/Powerboat overtaking another power boat.
The powerboat (the vessel being overtaken) is the "stand-on" (privileged) vessel while the PWC (the overtaking vessel) is the "give-way" (burdened) vessel.

If you are the passing (give-way) boat, use your whistle to signal your intention to the stand- on boat. One blast means you will pass to starboard of the stand-on vessel (keeping it on your left), and two blasts means you will pass on its port side (keeping to your right).

However, be cautious - assume the driver of any boat you are overtaking doesn't know you're there and can't hear your signal. PWCs are relatively small. Operators of other boats - even as small as a PWC, but especially large boats - might not be able to see you. Be prepared for anything, and be ready to take any necessary evasive action.