Module 5 - COLREGs
COLREGs Rules 12-18: Who Gives Way at Sea?
These rules sit in Section II and apply only when vessels are in sight of one another—meaning visually observable. Rule 13 is checked first because any vessel overtaking another must keep out of the way until finally past and clear. A vessel approaching from more than 22.5° abaft the other's beam is overtaking; if in doubt whether you are overtaking, assume that you are and act accordingly.
Rule 12 applies between two sailing vessels. Different tacks: the port-tack vessel keeps out of the way. Same tack: the windward vessel keeps out of the way. A port-tack vessel that sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other is on port or starboard tack must keep out of the way.
Rule 14 applies when two power-driven vessels meet on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve collision risk. Each alters course to starboard so they pass port side to port side. If doubt remains whether a head-on situation exists, assume it does. Rule 15 applies when two power-driven vessels are crossing with collision risk: the vessel that has the other on her starboard side keeps out of the way and, if circumstances admit, avoids crossing ahead.
These are not vessel-type shortcuts for every situation. A sailing yacht using propelling machinery is power-driven; an overtaking sailing vessel remains give-way; a TSS does not make lane traffic automatically stand-on; and a contact not in sight in restricted visibility is handled under Rule 19 rather than Rules 12–18.
- Use Rules 12–18 only when the vessels are visually in sight
- Check overtaking first and remain give-way until finally past and clear
- Between sailing vessels: port tack gives way; on the same tack, windward gives way
- Head-on power vessels both alter starboard; in a power crossing, the vessel with the other to starboard gives way
| Question | Rule | Required starting action |
|---|---|---|
| Approaching from >22.5° abaft the beam? | 13 — Overtaking | Overtaking vessel keeps out of the way |
| Two sailing vessels? | 12 — Sailing | Port tack, then windward on same tack, keeps clear |
| Two power vessels reciprocal or nearly reciprocal? | 14 — Head-on | Both alter to starboard |
| Two power vessels crossing? | 15 — Crossing | Vessel with the other to starboard keeps clear |
| Not visually in sight in restricted visibility? | 19 | Do not assign stand-on/give-way from Rules 12–18 |
Common questions
Which sailing vessel gives way under Rule 12?
A sailing vessel on port tack keeps clear of a sailing vessel on starboard tack. If both are on the same tack, the windward vessel keeps clear.
Does an overtaking sailing vessel give way to a power vessel?
Yes. Rule 13 says the overtaking vessel keeps clear, regardless of whether it is sailing or power-driven.
What should two power-driven vessels do head-on?
Both power-driven vessels should alter course to starboard so they pass port-to-port.
Who gives way in a power-driven crossing situation?
The vessel that has the other vessel on her starboard side is the give-way vessel.
Optional quick check
Section 5 of 9
A sailing yacht overtakes a power-driven vessel while both are in sight. Who keeps out of the way?
Keep revising this topic
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 19 August 2026 - Day Skipper Revision.
Practice COLREGs scenarios
The full COLREGs module turns the rules into lights, shapes, give-way, and restricted-visibility practice.