Rules of the Road · Western Rivers & Great Lakes
Under 72 COLREGS, is there a special right-of-way rule for a vessel descending a river?
- AYes — the downstream vessel always has right of way
- BYes — but only on rivers wider than 500 meters
- CNo — COLREGS does not contain a downstream priority rule✓ Correct
- DYes — it mirrors the Inland Rule 9(a)(ii) provision
Explanation
72 COLREGS Rule 9 covers narrow channels and fairways but does not grant priority to a downstream vessel. The downstream right-of-way is uniquely an Inland Rules feature in Rule 9(a)(ii), applicable only on the Western Rivers.
Authority: 72 COLREGS Rule 9
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