Navigation Rules & Right of Way Flashcards

When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, what action must each vessel take?

Answer: Each vessel shall alter course to starboard so each passes on the port side of the other

COLREGS Rule 14 requires head-on vessels to each alter course to starboard, passing port-to-port.

When a sailing vessel under sail only and a power-driven vessel are on crossing courses, which vessel is the give-way vessel?

Answer: The power-driven vessel is the give-way vessel

Under COLREGS Rule 18, a power-driven vessel underway must keep out of the way of a sailing vessel under sail.

In a crossing situation between two power-driven vessels, which vessel is required to give way?

Answer: The vessel that has the other on its starboard side

COLREGS Rule 15 states that when two power-driven vessels cross, the vessel having the other on its own starboard side shall keep out of the way.

When a vessel is overtaking another vessel, who has the right of way?

Answer: The vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel

Rule 13 states the overtaken vessel is the stand-on vessel; the overtaking vessel must keep clear until past and clear.

In a narrow channel, where should a vessel keep when it is safe and practicable?

Answer: As near to the starboard side of the channel as is safe

Rule 9 requires vessels in narrow channels to keep to the starboard side to allow safe two-way traffic.

What does one short blast of a horn signal when vessels are in sight of each other?

Answer: I am altering my course to starboard

Rule 34 specifies that one short blast means the vessel is altering course to starboard.

Which vessel category has the highest priority (must be given way to by all others) under COLREGS Rule 18?

Answer: A vessel not under command

A vessel not under command has lost the ability to maneuver and therefore has top priority under the COLREGS hierarchy.