Rules of the road

The principles

• Everyone must keep a proper lookout at all times, by sight and hearing.
• Give way early and clearly, so the other vessel can see it.
• The stand-on vessel holds course and speed but must still act if the other does not give way.
• If the bearing of another vessel stays constant while the range closes, there is a risk of collision.

Sailing vessels

1. When the wind is on different sides, the vessel with the wind on the port side gives way.
2. When the wind is on the same side, the windward vessel gives way to the leeward one.
3. An overtaking vessel always gives way, whether under sail or power.

Power-driven vessels

• Head-on: both alter to starboard and pass port to port.
• Crossing: the vessel that has the other on her starboard side gives way.
• A sailing boat under engine is a power-driven vessel, even with her sails up.

Hierarchy and sound signals

As a rule a power-driven vessel gives way to a sailing vessel. The sailing vessel in turn gives way to vessels fishing, restricted in their ability to manoeuvre and not under command. In narrow channels and traffic separation schemes, sailing vessels must not impede commercial shipping.

1 short

I am altering my course to starboard.

2 short

I am altering my course to port.

3 short

I am operating astern propulsion.

5 short

I do not understand your intentions (doubt).