The give-way vessel is the one the rules require to keep out of the way; the stand-on vessel is the one that must hold her course and speed. Both still have a duty to avoid a collision (COLREGs Rules 16 and 17).
When two vessels are approaching with a risk of collision, the collision regulations make one of them responsible for keeping clear. That is the give-way vessel. The other is the stand-on vessel.
The give-way vessel (Rule 16) must take early and substantial action to keep well clear. Rule 8 adds that any action should be positive, made in ample time, and large enough to be readily apparent to the other vessel. A single, obvious turn of 30 degrees or more is far better than a series of small changes that the other skipper cannot read. Where possible, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel, and pass astern. Slowing down, stopping or going astern are also proper ways to give way.
The stand-on vessel (Rule 17) must keep her course and speed, so the give-way vessel can predict where she will be. This is a duty, not a privilege: if the stand-on boat keeps changing course, the give-way boat cannot plan. However:
- as soon as it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action, the stand-on vessel may act on her own;
- when she is so close that a collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone, she must act;
- a power-driven stand-on vessel acting in this way should, if possible, not turn to port for a vessel on her own port side.
If you are stand-on and unsure whether the other vessel has seen you, five or more short and rapid blasts on the horn mean "I doubt that you are taking sufficient action". A call on VHF channel 16 can also help with a ship.
The common mistakes are giving way too late and too little, and, as the stand-on boat, turning away at the last moment in the same direction the give-way boat has chosen. Decide early, make it obvious, and keep a proper lookout throughout.
More in the book: Chapter 13, The rules of the road
More about rules of the road
- How do you tell if you are on a collision course with another boat?
- Do sailing boats have to give way to ships in a channel?
- What navigation lights does a sailboat need?
- What do horn signals mean on a boat?
- Does a sailboat have right of way over a powerboat?
- Is a sailboat with its engine running a power-driven vessel?