Module 5 - COLREGs
COLREGs Rules 12-18: Who Gives Way at Sea?
Quick answer
Rules 12-18 decide who gives way in the most common encounter situations: sailing vessels, overtaking, head-on, crossing, stand-on/give-way duties, and responsibilities between vessel types.
- Overtaking vessels keep clear, regardless of vessel type.
- Power-driven head-on: both alter to starboard.
- Sailing vessels: port tack keeps clear of starboard; windward keeps clear on the same tack.
Rule 12 (Sailing vessels): When two sailing vessels meet, the vessel on port tack gives way to the vessel on starboard tack. If both are on the same tack, the windward vessel gives way. If a port-tack vessel cannot determine the other's tack, she gives way.
Rule 13 (Overtaking): Any vessel overtaking another must keep out of the way. An overtaking vessel is one coming from more than 22.5° abaft the beam of the other vessel. This rule overrides rules 12 and 18.
Rule 14 (Head-on): When two power-driven vessels meet head-on, both must alter course to starboard so they pass port-to-port.
Rule 15 (Crossing): When two power-driven vessels cross, the vessel that has the other on her starboard side must give way (she is the give-way vessel). The other is the stand-on vessel.
Key points
- Sailing vessels: port tack gives way to starboard tack
- Overtaking vessel ALWAYS gives way (overrides other rules)
- Head-on: both alter to starboard (port-to-port passing)
- Crossing: vessel with other on her starboard side gives way
Common mistakes
- Forgetting that Rule 13 overtaking overrides the normal vessel hierarchy.
- Calling a motor-sailing yacht a sailing vessel; under power, it is power-driven.
- Treating stand-on as permission to do nothing when collision risk is developing.
Practise COLREGs scenarios
The full COLREGs module turns the rules into lights, shapes, give-way, and restricted-visibility practice.