way; it is called the “stand-on” vessel. The
vessel that does not have the right-of-way
is called the “give-way” or
“burdened”vessel. These rules determine
which vessel has the right-of-way, and what
each vessel should do.
Stand-on vessel
The vessel with the right-of-way has the
duty to continue its course and speed,
except to avoid an immediate collision.
When you maintain your direction and
speed, the other vessel will be able to
determine how best to avoid you.
Give-way vessel
The vessel that does not have the right-of-
way has the duty to take positive and timely
action to stay out of the way of the Stand-
On vessel. Normally, you should not cross
in front of the vessel with the right-of-way.
You should slow down or change directions
brief- ly and pass behind the other vessel.
You should always move in such a way that
the operator of the other vessel can see
what you are doing.
“ The general prudential rule ”
This rule is called Rule 2 in the International
Rules and says,
“ In obeying and construing these rules due
regard shall be had to all dangers of
naviga- tion and collision, and to any
special circum- stances, which may render
a departure from the above rules necessary
in order to avoid immediate danger.”
In other words, follow the standard rules ex-
cept when a collision will occur unless both
vessels try to avoid each other. If that is the
case, both vessels become “ Give-Way ”
vessels.
Rules when encountering vessels
There are three main situations that you
may encounter with other vessels which
could lead to a collision unless the Steering
Rules are followed:
Meeting: (you are approaching another ves-
sel head-on)
Crossing: (you are traveling across the oth-
er vessel’s path)
Overtaking: (you are passing or being
passed by another vessel)
In the following illustration, your boat is in
the center. You should give the right-of-way
to any vessels shown in white area (you are
the Give-Way vessel). Any vessels in the
shad- ed area must yield to you (they are
the Give- Way vessels). Both you and the
meeting vessel must alter course to avoid
each other.
Meeting
If you are meeting another power vessel
head on, and are close enough to run the
risk of collision, neither of you has the right-
of- way Both of you should alter course to
avoid an accident. You should keep the
other ves- sel on your port (left) side. This
rule doesn’t apply if both of you will clear
one another if you continue on your set
course and speed.
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