The Right of Way Rules

Sailing is a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. One of the most important aspects of sailing is understanding and adhering to the right of way rules. These rules are essential for maintaining safety and order on the water, and they apply to all vessels, from small sailboats to large commercial ships.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the right of way rules, exploring their origins, the different types of rules, and how to apply them in various situations. By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of these crucial sailing principles and be better prepared to navigate the open seas with confidence and skill.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to the Right of Way Rules
• The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS)
• The Basic Right of Way Rules
• Sailing Vessels and Right of Way
• Power-Driven Vessels and Right of Way
• Special Circumstances and Exceptions
• Seamanship and Etiquette
• Conclusion

Introduction to the Right of Way Rules

The right of way rules, also known as the “rules of the road,” are a set of internationally recognized guidelines that govern the movement of vessels on the water. These rules are designed to prevent collisions and ensure the safety of all sailors, regardless of their experience level or the size of their vessel.

The right of way rules are based on the principle that every vessel has a responsibility to avoid collisions and maintain a safe distance from other vessels. This means that even if you have the right of way, you must still take appropriate action to avoid a collision if the other vessel does not yield.

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS)

The right of way rules are primarily derived from the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), which were first established in 1972 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The COLREGS are a comprehensive set of rules that cover various aspects of navigation, including the right of way, lights and shapes, sound signals, and more.

The COLREGS are divided into five parts:

1. Rules 1-3: General rules and definitions
2. Rules 4-19: Steering and sailing rules
3. Rules 20-31: Lights and shapes
4. Rules 32-37: Sound and light signals
5. Rules 38-41: Exemptions and penalties

In this article, we will focus on the steering and sailing rules, which are most relevant to the right of way.

The Basic Right of Way Rules

The right of way rules can be broken down into three basic categories:

1. Rules for vessels in sight of one another
2. Rules for vessels not in sight of one another
3. Rules for vessels in restricted visibility

For the purpose of this article, we will focus on the rules for vessels in sight of one another, as these are the most relevant to recreational sailors.

Rule 12: Sailing Vessels

When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, the right of way rules are as follows:

1. When each vessel has the wind on a different side, the vessel with the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other.
2. When both vessels have the wind on the same side, the vessel to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel to leeward.
3. If a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or starboard side, she shall keep out of the way of the other.

Rule 13: Overtaking

Any vessel overtaking another shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. A vessel is considered to be overtaking when she is approaching another vessel from more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam.

Rule 14: Head-On Situation

When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, or nearly so, each shall alter her course to starboard so that each passes on the port side of the other.

Rule 15: Crossing Situation

When two power-driven vessels are crossing, the vessel that has the other on her starboard side shall keep out of the way and avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.

Sailing Vessels and Right of Way

When it comes to sailing vessels, the right of way rules are primarily based on the position of the wind and the vessels’ relative courses. As mentioned earlier, Rule 12 of the COLREGS outlines the right of way rules for sailing vessels.

In addition to Rule 12, there are a few other rules that apply specifically to sailing vessels:

• Rule 18: A sailing vessel has the right of way over a power-driven vessel, unless the power-driven vessel is navigating in a narrow channel, fairway, or traffic separation scheme, or when overtaking.
• Rule 19: In conditions of restricted visibility, a sailing vessel must take appropriate action to avoid a collision, even if she has the right of way.

Power-Driven Vessels and Right of Way

For power-driven vessels, the right of way rules are primarily based on the vessels’ relative positions and courses. Rules 13-15 of the COLREGS outline the right of way rules for power-driven vessels in various situations, such as overtaking, head-on, and crossing situations.

In addition to these rules, there are a few other rules that apply specifically to power-driven vessels:

• Rule 18: A power-driven vessel must give way to a sailing vessel, unless the sailing vessel is overtaking or the power-driven vessel is navigating in a narrow channel, fairway, or traffic separation scheme.
• Rule 19: In conditions of restricted visibility, a power-driven vessel must take appropriate action to avoid a collision, even if she has the right of way.

Special Circumstances and Exceptions

There are several special circumstances and exceptions to the right of way rules that sailors should be aware of:

1. Rule 18 also states that a vessel engaged in fishing, a vessel not under command, or a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver has the right of way over other vessels, including sailing vessels and power-driven vessels.
2. Rule 9 states that a vessel navigating in a narrow channel or fairway must keep as close to the outer limit of the channel or fairway as possible, and a vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within the channel or fairway.
3. Rule 10 states that vessels navigating in a traffic separation scheme must follow the appropriate traffic lanes and not impede the passage of other vessels.

Seamanship and Etiquette

While the right of way rules provide a clear framework for navigating safely on the water, it’s also important to practice good seamanship and etiquette. This means being courteous and respectful to other sailors, communicating clearly and effectively, and always being prepared to take evasive action if necessary.

Remember that the primary goal of the right of way rules is to prevent collisions and ensure the safety of all sailors. Even if you have the right of way, you must still take appropriate action to avoid a collision if the other vessel does not yield.

Conclusion

Understanding and adhering to the right of way rules is a crucial aspect of sailing. By familiarizing yourself with these rules and practicing good seamanship and etiquette, you can help ensure the safety of yourself, your crew, and other sailors on the water.

As you continue to gain experience and confidence in your sailing abilities, the right of way rules will become second nature, allowing you to navigate the open seas with ease and enjoyment. So, set sail, and embrace the freedom and fulfillment that comes from choosing an unconventional path and exploring the world with your family.