Give-way vessel
The vessel which does not have the right-of- way has the duty to take positive and timely action to stay out of the way of the stand-on vessel. Normally, you should not cross in front of the vessel with the right-of-way. You should slow down or change directions briefly and pass behind the other vessel. You should always move in such a way that the operator of the other vessel can see what you are doing. The General Prudential Rule regarding the right-of-way is that if a collision appears un- avoidable, neither boat has the right-of-way. Both boats must avoid the collision.
In other words, follow the standard rules except when a collision will occur unless both vessels try to avoid each other. If that is the case, both vessels become give-way vessels.
Rules when encountering vessels
There are three main situations that you may encounter with other vessels which could lead to a collision unless the Steering Rules are fol- lowed:
Meeting: you are approaching another vessel head-on
Crossing: you are traveling across another vessel’s path
Overtaking: you are passing or being passed by another vessel
In the following illustration, your watercraft is in the center. You should give the right-of-way to any vessels shown in the white area (you are the give-way vessel). Any vessels in the shaded area must yield to you (they are the
give-way vessels). Both you and the meeting vessel must alter course to avoid each other.
Meeting
If you are meeting another power-driven vessel head on, and are close enough to run the risk of collision, neither of you has the right-of- way. Both of you should alter course to avoid an accident. You should keep the other vessel on your port (left) side. This rule does not apply if both of you will clear one another if you continue on your set course and speed.
Crossing
When two power-driven vessels are crossing each other’s path close enough to run the risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on the starboard (right) side must keep out of the way of the other. If the other vessel is on your starboard (right) side, you must keep out of its way; you are the give-way vessel. If the other vessel is on your port (left) side, remember that you should maintain course and direction,
Safety information