Signalman 1 & C - Historic Naval Ships Association

Head-on SituationWhen two ships meet head-on or nearly so (fig.9-19), each ship must change course to starboard andpass port-to-port. In international waters, a whistlesignal is sounded only when a course change isactually made. If the meeting ships are already farenough off from each other to pass clear on theirpresent courses, no signal is needed. Rule 14 of theInternational Rules of the Road applies here.Crossing SituationWhen two power-driven vessels are crossing so asto involve the risk of collision (fig. 9-20), the vesselhaving the other to starboard must keep out of the wayand will avoid, if circumstance permits, crossingahead of the other vessel. Rule 15 applies here.Overtaking SituationAny vessel overtaking another must keep clear ofthe overtaken vessel. An overtaking vessel is one thatis approaching another vessel from any direction morethan 22.5° abaft its beam (fig. 9-21). When in doubt,assume you are overtaking and act accordingly. Rule13 applies here.Sailing VesselA sailing vessel has the right-of-way overpower-driven vessels except when the power-drivenvessel is engaged in fishing, is not under command or isrestricted in her ability to maneuver. Rule 12 applies here.Stand-on/Give-away SituationFigure 9-19.—Meeting (head-on) situation.The stand-on vessel is the vessel that stays oncourse and speed. The give-away vessel is the vesselthat keeps out of the way of the other vessel. In ahead-on situation, both vessels are the give-awayvessel. Each vessel shall alter her course to starboard,so that they will pass on the port side of each other.Rules 16 and 17 apply here.Take a little time and learn these rules. They willbe useful to you.Figure 9-20.—Crossing situation.Figure 9-21.—Overtaking situation.9-21