Rules of the Road · Steering & Sailing Rules
Two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses such that there is a risk of collision. Each vessel shall:
- AThe vessel on the port side shall give way; the starboard vessel shall stand on
- BAlter course to port so as to pass on the port side of the other
- CAlter course to starboard so that each passes on the port side of the other✓ Correct
- DReduce speed and wait for the other vessel to take action first
Explanation
Rule 14(a) requires both vessels in a head-on situation to alter course to starboard so they pass port-to-port. This is a bilateral obligation — both act simultaneously. Altering to port would increase the closing rate on the collision course and is explicitly wrong.
Authority: 72 COLREGS Rule 14(a)
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