COLREGS Rule 16 — Action by Give-way Vessel

Rule Text

What it means on the water

• →Action must be EARLY — taken well before the situation becomes critical.
• →Action must be SUBSTANTIAL — large enough to be readily apparent to the other vessel.
• →The goal is to keep WELL CLEAR — not just minimally clear.
• →The rule applies to any vessel designated give-way by Rules 12–18.
• →'So far as possible' acknowledges that situations may arise where full compliance is not physically possible.

Common exam mistakes

• ✗Waiting too long to act — 'early' action is required, not last-minute.
• ✗Making small, gradual course changes that are not apparent to the other vessel.
• ✗Thinking Rule 16 only applies in crossing situations — it applies to any give-way vessel.

USCG exam questions — Rule 16

These questions are drawn from the same pool used in real USCG licensing exams. Correct answers and explanations are shown.

1. 1. Two sailing vessels are approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision. Vessel A has the wind on her port side. Vessel B has the wind on her starboard side. Which vessel is the give-way vessel?

   • A.Vessel A, because she has the wind on the port side✓
   • B.Vessel B, because she has the wind on the starboard side
   • C.The vessel that is more close-hauled
   • D.The vessel to leeward

   Why: Rule 12(a)(i) states that when each sailing vessel has the wind on a different side, the vessel with the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way. Vessel A has the wind on port; she gives way. The close-hauled state and leeward position are irrelevant to this specific sub-rule.

2. 2. A sailing vessel sees another sailing vessel to windward but cannot determine whether that vessel has the wind on the port or starboard side. Under Rule 12, the vessel to leeward shall:

   • A.Sound five short blasts and maintain course and speed
   • B.Keep out of the way of the vessel to windward✓
   • C.Assume the other vessel is on starboard tack and give way accordingly
   • D.Reduce speed until the windward vessel's tack can be determined

   Why: The keyed answer is correct: under Rule 12(a)(iii), if a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether that vessel has the wind on the port or starboard side, she shall keep out of the way of the other. This is a safety default for the leeward (port-tack) vessel, requiring her to give way to the windward vessel. (Note: Rule 12(b) is the separate definition of the "windward side" — the side opposite that on which the mainsail is carried — and does not govern this ambiguous-tack situation.)

3. 3. Two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses such that there is a risk of collision. Each vessel shall:

   • A.The vessel on the port side shall give way; the starboard vessel shall stand on
   • B.Alter course to port so as to pass on the port side of the other
   • C.Alter course to starboard so that each passes on the port side of the other✓
   • D.Reduce speed and wait for the other vessel to take action first

   Why: Rule 14(a) requires both vessels in a head-on situation to alter course to starboard so they pass port-to-port. This is a bilateral obligation — both act simultaneously. Altering to port would increase the closing rate on the collision course and is explicitly wrong.

4. 4. Two power-driven vessels are in a crossing situation so as to involve risk of collision. Under Rule 15, which vessel is the give-way vessel?

   • A.The vessel that is making the greater speed
   • B.The vessel that is smaller in length
   • C.The vessel which has the other on her starboard side✓
   • D.The vessel which has the other on her port side

   Why: Rule 15 requires the vessel that has the other on her starboard side to keep out of the way. Memory aid: the give-way vessel sees a red (port) light on the crossing vessel — a reminder to stop. Speed and size are irrelevant to this determination.

5. 5. Under Rule 17(a), the stand-on vessel in a crossing situation shall:

   • A.Immediately alter course to port to open the CPA
   • B.Immediately reduce speed to allow the give-way vessel more time
   • C.Maintain her course and speed✓
   • D.Sound five short blasts and then take independent action

   Why: Rule 17(a)(i) obliges the stand-on vessel to maintain course and speed. This predictability is essential — the give-way vessel plans its maneuver based on the stand-on vessel continuing unchanged. Unpredictable early action by the stand-on vessel can negate the give-way vessel's avoidance.

6. 6. Under Rule 17(b), when a stand-on vessel finds herself so close to the give-way vessel that collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone, the stand-on vessel shall:

   • A.Maintain course and speed to avoid confusing the give-way vessel
   • B.Sound five short blasts and reduce speed
   • C.Take such action as will best aid to avoid collision✓
   • D.Alter course to starboard regardless of the position of the give-way vessel

   Why: Rule 17(b) converts the stand-on vessel's permission into a duty once collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone. At that point the stand-on vessel must take whatever action best avoids collision — this is the in-extremis provision. The specific action depends on circumstances; starboard is not always the answer.

7. 7. Under Rule 13, any vessel overtaking any other vessel shall:

   • A.Keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken✓
   • B.Sound one prolonged blast to signal her intention to overtake
   • C.Proceed at a speed sufficient to complete the overtaking in minimum time
   • D.Overtake only on the starboard side of the vessel ahead

   Why: Rule 13(a) places an absolute duty on the overtaking vessel to keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken, regardless of any other rule that might otherwise apply. Rule 13 overrides the head-on and crossing rules — once in the overtaking sector, Rule 13 governs.

8. 8. Under 72 COLREGS Rule 15 (crossing situation), how does the give-way vessel's obligation differ from Inland Rule 15?

   • A.Under COLREGS, the give-way vessel must avoid crossing ahead; under Inland Rules, the give-way vessel must sound one short blast
   • B.They are identical in all respects
   • C.Under Inland Rules, the give-way vessel keeps out of the way; COLREGS further specifies the give-way vessel should avoid crossing ahead of the stand-on vessel✓
   • D.Under COLREGS, the stand-on vessel is permitted to take early action; Inland Rules prohibit this

   Why: 72 COLREGS Rule 15 adds the guidance that the give-way vessel shall, if circumstances permit, avoid crossing ahead of the stand-on vessel. The Inland Rule 15 requires the give-way vessel to keep out of the way but does not contain the specific admonition against crossing ahead.

Frequently asked questions

What action must the give-way vessel take?

The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to keep well clear of the stand-on vessel. Small, gradual adjustments are insufficient — the action must be large enough to be clearly apparent to the other vessel and must result in a safe passing distance.

When should the give-way vessel act?

As early as possible — well before the situation becomes close-quarters. Rule 16 uses the word 'early' deliberately. Waiting until the vessels are close before acting violates the spirit and letter of Rule 16, even if collision is ultimately avoided.

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