Module 5 - COLREGs
COLREGs Rules 12-18: Who Gives Way at Sea?
What you will learn
Classify an in-sight encounter in the right order and apply the sailing, overtaking, head-on or crossing rule without letting a slogan override a more specific rule.
When vessels are in sight, start by asking whether either is overtaking. Only then classify sailing-vessel, head-on, crossing and responsibility cases, while keeping Rules 2, 7 and 8 active throughout.
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.
| 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 |
Run the encounter filter
A sailing yacht under sail is closing a slower motor vessel from its starboard quarter, while both are visually in sight.
1. Check overtaking
The yacht is approaching from more than 22.5° abaft the motor vessel's beam, so Rule 13 settles responsibility first.
2. Discard the slogan
'Power gives way to sail' does not displace the overtaking rule.
3. Keep clear completely
Take early substantial action and remain clear until finally past and clear.
Sense check: If changing vessel labels would alter an overtaking answer, Rule 13 has not been given its required priority.
Common mistake or limitation
- 'Power gives way to sail' is conditional and cannot override overtaking, narrow-channel, TSS or other specific responsibilities.
- Head-on and crossing answers require collision risk; a visual aspect alone does not remove the Rule 7 assessment.
Recap
- In-sight encounter classification begins with overtaking before the other common pairings.
- Rule 12 uses tack and windward/leeward; Rules 14 and 15 apply to power-driven vessels.
- Rules 7, 8 and 2 still govern risk, action quality and ultimate collision avoidance.
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?
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.
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.