General information operator of the other vessel can see what you are doing. “The general prudential rule” This rule is called Rule 2 in the International Rules and says, “In obeying and construing these rules due regard shall be had to all dangers of naviga- tion and collision, and to any special circum- stances, which may render a departure from the above rules necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.” In other words, follow the standard rules ex- cept when a collision will occur unless both vessels try to avoid each other. If that is the case, both vessels become “Give-Way” ves- sels.
Meeting If you are meeting another power vessel head on, and are close enough to run the risk of collision, neither of you has the right-of- way! Both of you should alter course to avoid an accident. You should keep the other ves- sel on your port (left) side. This rule doesn’t apply if both of you will clear one another if you continue on your set course and speed. EMU25520 Rules when encountering vessels There are three main situations which you may encounter with other vessels which could lead to a collision unless the Steering Rules are followed: Meeting: (you are approaching another ves- sel head-on) Crossing: (you are traveling across the oth- er vessel’s path) Overtaking:
(you are passing or being passed by another vessel) In the following illustration, your boat is in the center. You should give the right-of-way to any vessels shown in white area (you are the Give-Way vessel). Any vessels in the shad- ed area must yield to you (they are the Give- Way vessels). Both you and the meeting vessel must alter course to avoid each other. Crossing When two power driven vessels are crossing each other’s path close enough to run the risk of collision, the vessel which has the oth- er on the starboard (right) side must keep out of the way of the other. If the other vessel is on your right, you must keep out of its way; you are the Give-Way vessel.
If the other vessel is on your port (left) side, remember that you should maintain course and direc- tion, provided the other vessel gives you the right-of-way as it should. 5