CAUTIONHaving the right of course does not relieve you from the responsibility of avoiding a collision.
Yacht in sight
We can consider three ways of encountering another yacht on the water:
Normally, the yacht with less manoeuvrability has the right-of-way.
Stay clear of the yacht and pass to its stern.
The yacht, that has the right-of-way, is called the “privileged yacht”.
This yacht can maintain speed and course.
The “burdened yacht” is the yacht, which must adjust her course and/or speed as required to keep clear of the privileged yacht.
Meeting
When meeting another yacht proceeding on a parallel course, both yachts shall adjust the speed accordingly and keep on course.
When two power-driven yachts are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision each shall alter its course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.
Crossing situation
When two power driven yachts are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the yacht which has the other on its own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other yacht.
Overtaking situation
An overtake is defined as when one yacht comes from a direction of over 22.5 degrees aft, with respect to the yacht that it intends to overtake, in order that the stern lights can be seen but none of the side lights.
If you find yourselves overtaking a slower yacht, which is in your path, you are the burdened yacht. Make any adjustment necessary to avoid collision and pass either to port or starboard. Signal your intent to do so by sounding your horn twice if passing on the port and once if passing on the starboard.
The yacht being overtaken by another, takes precedence over the latter and thus must maintain the same route and the same speed no pull or manoeuvre.
The yacht that has the bow within a 135° angle (formed by the yacht stern light) is considered the yacht that can be reached.
CAUTIONHaving the right of course does not relieve you from the responsibility of avoiding a collision.
Responsibility between yachts
It is necessary to observe the following regulations, except when in conflict with other rules:
Mechanically propelled yachts, when underway, should keep the course clear for:
Boats engaged in fishing, when underway, should keep the course as clear as possible for:
CAUTIONBoats with limited manoeuvrability generally have the right of way.
In the event of an impending collision, prudence shall take precedence over the right of way.