Two boats are operating near each other. which is the boat that must maintain its course and speed?

The Crossing Rule is a set of rules that governs how people cross freeways. The give-way vessel must stay out of the path when two power-driven vessels are crossing in such a way that there is a risk of collision.

To avoid a collision, the vessel with the other on her starboard side (the give-ways) must keep out of the way, according to the International and Inland Rules.

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 a 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 the 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.

Channels and harbors

• All vessels must keep to the starboard (right) side of any channel.
• Inside a harbor (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 meters in length)
• Do not create a wake that 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 that 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 maneuver 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.