Rules of the Road · Steering & Sailing Rules

Two sailing vessels are approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision. Vessel A has the wind on her port side. Vessel B has the wind on her starboard side. Which vessel is the give-way vessel?

Explanation

Rule 12(a)(i) states that when each sailing vessel has the wind on a different side, the vessel with the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way. Vessel A has the wind on port; she gives way. The close-hauled state and leeward position are irrelevant to this specific sub-rule.

Authority: 72 COLREGS Rule 12(a)(i)

Practice the full Rules of the Road bank

Free spaced-repetition quizzing across 2190 USCG exam questions — it schedules your reviews so the ones you miss come back until they stick.

Related Rules of the Road questions