In a crossing situation, which vessel is the give-way vessel under COLREGS?

In a crossing situation, which vessel is the give-way vessel under COLREGS?

• A. The vessel that has the other vessel on its port side.
• B. The vessel that has the other vessel on its starboard side.
• C. The vessel on the same side as you.
• D. The vessel with the larger vessel.

Answer: (B)

In a crossing situation, the give-way vessel is the one that has the other vessel on its starboard side. Under COLREGS, the vessel on your right has the right of way, so the other vessel is the stand-on vessel and you must take early and substantial action to avoid. So, if the other vessel appears on your starboard (your right), you are the give-way vessel and should maneuver to keep clear. The stand-on vessel would be the one with you on its port side, who should maintain course unless collision avoidance becomes necessary. Size or which side you’re on relative to the other vessel isn’t what determines the give-way status; it’s the relative bearing—having the other vessel on your starboard side.

In a crossing situation, the give-way vessel is the one that has the other vessel on its starboard side. Under COLREGS, the vessel on your right has the right of way, so the other vessel is the stand-on vessel and you must take early and substantial action to avoid.

So, if the other vessel appears on your starboard (your right), you are the give-way vessel and should maneuver to keep clear. The stand-on vessel would be the one with you on its port side, who should maintain course unless collision avoidance becomes necessary.

Size or which side you’re on relative to the other vessel isn’t what determines the give-way status; it’s the relative bearing—having the other vessel on your starboard side.