Collision Regulations (ColRegs)

This section illustrates several situations where two vessels may be at risk of collision. There is no such thing as ‘Right of way’ in the sailing world. Instead the terms ‘Stand on’ boat or ‘Give way’ boat are used.

The illustration and text will state which boat is the ‘Stand on’ boat and which is the ‘Give way’ boat. The arrow at the top of the image represents the wind direction. Wavy lines streaming out of the back of the boat signify a motor propelled vessel - not a sailing vessel.  All other vessels indicated in the images are sailing vessels.  The curved lines represent sails. Again we’ve made the visuals simple, similar to how they will appear on your exam.

Boat A On Starboard Tack A Stands On Boat B On A Port Tack Gives Way 500x400.jpg

Boat A is stand on boat, Boat B gives way. Boat on a starboard tack has priority over boat on a port tack.

Motor Boat Who Has Another Boat To Its Starboard Gives Way Boat B Stands On Boat A Gives Way 500x400.jpg

Boat B Is the stand on boat, Boat A gives way. Motor boat who has another boat to its starboard, must give way, stop, slow down or dramatically alter course.

Motor Boats Bow To Bow Both Give Way Both Should Turn To Starboard 500x400.jpg

Both boats must give way, both boats should turn to starboard. Motor vessels facing head on must both alter course to avoid collision.

Motor Vessels Give Way To Sailing Vessels Boat A Stands On Boat B Gives Way 500x400.jpg

Boat A stands on, Boat B must give way. Motor vessels must give way to sailing boats as they can manoeuvre better.

Starboard Tack Boat Stands On Boat A Stands On Boat B Give Way 500x400.jpg

Boat A stands on, Boat B gives way. Boat on a starboard tack has priority over boat on a port tack.

Windward Boat Gives Way Boat B Stands On Boat A Gives Way 500x400.jpg

Boat B stands on, Boat A gives way. Windward boat gives way when both boats are on the same tack.

Windward Boat Gives Way Both Boats On Starboard Tack Boat B Stands On Boat A Gives Way 500x400.jpg

Boat B stands on, Boat A gives way. Windward boat gives way when both boats are on the same tack.