PWC Right-of-way situations
Two power-driven vessels approaching each other: Overtaking — The overtaking vessel A is the give-way vessel. The other 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 & alter course to port, and B must return the same sound signal(s) to indicate understanding.
Two power-driven vessels approaching each other: Meeting head-on — Neither power-driven A nor power-driven B gives way or stands on in a head-on encounter. Therefore, some communication is needed between A and B. The most common response in a head-on meeting between power-driven vessels is to signal an intention to pass port-to port with one short blast. A short blast should be returned from the approaching vessel, indicating a move to the starboard side. Vessel A must blow one short blast and alter course to starboard, power-driven B must blow one short blast—to indicate understanding—and alter course to starboard.
If it is not possible to pass port-to-port, due to an a obstruction or shoreline, a starboard-to-starboard pass should be signaled with two short blasts. Two short blasts should be returned from the approaching vessel, indicating its move to the port side. Vessel A must blow two short blasts and alter course to port. Vessel B must return two short blasts—to indicate understanding—and alter course to port.
Two power-driven vessels approaching each other: Crossing — Power-driven A approaches the port side of power-driven B. Vessel A is considered the give-way vessel. As the give-way vessel, Vessel A must take early and substantial action to keep clear and avoid crossing the stand-on vessel B. Vessel A must blow one short blast and alter course to starboard. Vessel B must blow one short blast — to indicate understanding — and maintain course.
Sailing vessel and power driven vessel approaching — When a power-driven vessel B encounters a sailing vessel A, the sailing vessel is always the stand-on vessel (unless a sailing vessel is overtaking). In the case above, power-driven vessel B must take early and substantial action to keep clear of sailing vessel A.
Two sailing vessels approaching each other — When each sailing vessel has the wind on a different side, the vessel that has the wind on its port (left) side is considered the give-way vessel. In this illustration, sailing vessel A must take early and substantial action to keep clear of sailing vessel B. When both sailing vessels have the wind on the same side, the vessel closer to the wind (upwind) is the give-way vessel and the vessel further from the wind (downwind) is the stand-on vessel. In the illustration at right, Vessel B must take early and substantial action to keep clear of Vessel A.
If a sailing vessel has the wind on its port side and the sailor cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on its port or starboard side, the first vessel is considered the give-way vessel and must take early and substantial action to keep clear of the second sailing vessel. The windward side is defined as the side opposite to that on which the mainsail is carried or, in the case of a square-rigged vessel, the side opposite to that on which the largest fore-and-aft sail is carried.
