What action must take place when a power driven vessel overtakes another power driven vessel?

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Rules to remember when two vessels meet

• When two power vessels are approaching head on,both vessels should alter course to starboard to pass port-side to port-side.
• When two power-driven vessels are in crossing situation on a collision course, give way to the vessel to starboard (right). The give way vessel must take early and obvious action to avoid a collision by either stopping or altering course to starboard.
• If the give way vessel has another power-driven vessel from the Port (left) which does not take obvious action to give way, or alter course to starboard, then the Skipper of give-way (stand on) vessel must take evasive action by either stopping, or again, altering course to starboard.
• Every vessel (power or sail) that is overtaking must keep well clear of the over taking vessel. You are overtaking if you are approaching another vessel anywhere in a 135 degree sector at its stern.

• All vessels must keep to the starboard (right) side of any channel.
• Inside a harbour (normally shown on the pilotage limit on the chart) you must keep out of the way of any ship over 500 tons. (which is about 50 metres in length)
• Do not create a wake which causes unnecessary danger to other vessels or people.
• You must not anchor in a channel.
• All small craft must keep out of the way of larger vessels which are restricted by their draft to maintain passage and steering within the channel.

When power meets power

• You must give way to another vessel on your starboard. (right)
• If you meet head on, both vessels must turn to starboard. (right)

When power meets sail

• Power gives way to sail unless the sailing vessel is overtaking.
• Sailing vessels should avoid sailing in a narrow channel. They have to give way to power-driven vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre in the channel.

When sail meets sail

• The vessel which has the wind on its starboard (right) side has the right of way. The vessel which has the wind on its port (left) side must give way.
  
• When both boats have the wind on the same side the windward (upwind) boat has to give way.

When things go wrong

• If the give way vessel does not appear to be giving way, the stand on vessel must take evasive action and should turn to starboard (right). Do not alter course to port, it could place you into the path of the give way vessel.
  

Use the concept of the "Imaginary Line" to help you determine whether you are travelling upstream or downstream on a river or when entering a port or harbour so that you pass channel marks on the correct side.

If you are required to give way to another vessel, take early and positive action so that your intentions are clear. Avoid making a series of small changes in speed or course that may not be apparent to the other vessel.

If another vessel is required to give way to you, maintain your present speed and course unless it is obvious that a collision may occur. In this case stop, slow down or turn away.

Rivers and channels

All vessels - including sail vessels - must always be navigated on the right (starboard) side of a river or channel in the direction of travel.

Power-driven vessels crossing

If a vessel approaches on your right (starboard) side you must stop, slow down or change course so as to keep out of its way.

If a vessel approaches on your left (port) side, it should give way to you. Maintain your present speed and course unless it appears that a collision may occur.

Sailing and power-driven vessels crossing

Powered vessels normally give way to sail. However, in harbours and channels where there is restricted room, small sailing vessels must give way to large powered vessels that cannot easily manoeuvre. Similarly, sailing vessels must also give way to other vessels that are restricted in their ability to manoeuvre, including fishing vessels that may have nets or other equipment over the side.

Power-driven vessels meeting head-on

Each vessel must alter course to the right (starboard) so as to pass on the port side of the other.

Vessels overtaking

An overtaking vessel (including a sailing vessel) may pass on either side if safe, but must keep well clear of the vessel being overtaken.

The actions you must take when encountering another vessel are found in the Collision Regulations.

Note that the following illustrations are not drawn to scale. The vessels are shown closer to each other than they should be when actually encountering another vessel on the water.

Meeting Head-On: Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel. Both vessels should turn to starboard (the right).

Paths That Cross: The vessel on the operator’s port (left) is the give-way vessel. The vessel on the operator’s starboard (right) is the stand-on vessel.

Overtaking: The vessel that is overtaking another vessel is the give-way vessel. The vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel.

give-way vessel The vessel that is required to take early and substantial action to keep out of the way of other vessels by stopping, slowing down, or changing course stand-on vessel The vessel that must maintain its course and speed unless it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action; if you must take action, do not turn toward the give-way vessel or cross in front of it

Vessel A is overtaking and is the give-way vessel. Vessel B is the stand-on vessel. As the give-way vessel, A must take EARLY and SUBSTANTIAL action to keep clear of the stand-on vessel B.

If both vessels are power-driven, sound signals are required. Vessel A must blow one short blast and alter course to starboard, or blow two short blasts and alter course to port, and Vessel B must return the same sound signal(s) to indicate understanding.

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