Rule 16 makes it clear that the give-way vessel must take action to avoid collision

Rule 16 explained: when the give-way vessel must take action to avoid collision

Sea traffic can feel like a crowded city street, only with more wind and fewer traffic lights. In the middle of all that bustle, Rule 16 from the COLREGs sets a simple, sturdy rule: the give-way vessel must take action to avoid collision. It’s one line, but it carries a lot of weight for safe and predictable maneuvering at sea. Let’s unpack what that means in practical terms, and why the other choices people sometimes think about aren’t the rule.

What “take action” really means, in real life

Here’s the thing about Rule 16: it isn’t a suggestion. It’s a directive. If you’re the give-way vessel, your job is to alter course, slow down, or even stop—whatever is necessary to prevent a collision. The key idea is proactive maneuvering. You don’t wait for the stand-on vessel to decide what to do. You act early and decisively to keep well clear.

That action can look like a few different things, depending on the moment:

• Change course to pass safely clear of the other vessel.

• Reduce speed so any misjudgment doesn’t lead to a close-quarters situation.

• Stop or come to a standstill if continuing would force you into danger.

• Use a combination of steering and speed changes to create enough space for safe passage.

What about the stand-on vessel? It should keep its course and speed, at least initially. The idea is to give the give-way vessel room to maneuver and see the other vessel’s intentions. If the give-way vessel fails to act and the risk of collision remains, the stand-on vessel may need to take action to avoid a crash. But the fundamental obligation under Rule 16 sits with the give-way vessel: act to avoid, not just observe.

A quick look at why A is the correct choice

You’ll see a multiple-choice setup like this in many guidance notes:

• A. Take action to avoid collision.

• B. Call out to the stand-on vessel.

• C. Maintain its position.

• D. Increase speed to escape.

The right answer, A, captures the core duty. Option B—calling out to the stand-on vessel—might happen as a courtesy or to clarify intent, but it isn’t the primary obligation. It won’t by itself prevent a collision if you don’t also maneuver. Option C, staying put, ignores the risk you’ve created by not adjusting your course or speed. Option D—cranking up speed to “escape”—is a dangerous impulse; speed up in a crowded or uncertain situation can widen the gap to close, or create a new risk as you move unpredictably through the traffic lane. So, “take action to avoid collision” is the simplest, safest, most universal rule you can apply.

How Rule 16 plays out in typical sea-borne scenarios

Crossing situation

Imagine two vessels approaching from different angles. The vessel that has the other on its starboard side is typically the stand-on vessel; the other boat is the give-way vessel. In that crossing scenario, the give-way vessel must act to prevent a clash. It might alter course slightly to starboard or port, depending on the geometry of the meeting and the space available. The stand-on vessel keeps its path unless the risk becomes unavoidable, in which case it too may need to adjust.

Head-on situation

Two vessels moving toward each other straight on. Both vessels should turn to starboard to pass on the port side, reducing risk and creating predictable paths. Here the “take action” mandate still applies, but the recommended approach from a COLREGs perspective emphasizes coordinated, predictable maneuvering to keep everyone safe.

Overtaking

If one vessel is clearly behind another and catching up, the overtaking vessel is the give-way vessel and must pass safely clear. The overtaking vessel reduces speed or changes course to ensure safe separation. The vessel being overtaken remains on its current heading, but good seamanship means staying vigilant and ready to adjust if the situation changes.

In the end, the common thread is space and predictability. When you’re the give-way vessel, you don’t rely on the other boat’s decisions to keep you safe—you generate the safety by changing your own behavior.

Practical, on-deck tips that make Rule 16 stick

If you’re steering through busy channels or coastal waters, here are practical habits that reinforce Rule 16 without turning navigation into guesswork:

• Keep a good lookout. Early detection of another vessel’s trajectory gives you more options to create space.

• Use clear signals. If you’re intending a course change, a short blast on the horn and appropriate lights can help others understand your plan.

• Think in terms of space, not distance. It’s not just “how close am I?” but “how much room do I have to move safely?”

• Use available tools. Radar, AIS, and VHF radio are your friends for identifying targets, predicting moves, and coordinating with other mariners.

• Maintain a mental picture of the traffic pattern. Even a rough sketch in your mind about who’s on your starboard, who’s overtaking, or who’s in a crossing can guide faster, safer decisions.

• Practice gradual, predictable maneuvers. Sudden, sharp turns and last-second speed shifts increase risk for everyone around you.

• Communicate your intentions. If there’s any doubt, a quick radio call or light signal that conveys your plan reduces surprises.

A few widely useful reminders about Rule 16

• Early action wins. The earlier you act to create space, the safer the outcome is likely to be for everyone.

• Be conservative in uncertain conditions. Low visibility, strong winds, or rough seas magnify the need for deliberate, cautious moves.

• Remember the stand-on vessel’s rights, but don’t assume they’ll do the right thing. If action is needed, be prepared to adjust even if you’re not required to.

• The rule isn’t about winning or losing a contest of seamanship. It’s about avoiding a collision and keeping life safe for all aboard.

A simple mnemonic to help recall the gist (without overcomplicating things)

Think of it like this: GIVE, don’t HIDE.

• G: Give-way vessel must act.

• I: Implement a maneuver that creates space.

• V: Very early changes are preferred.

• E: Ensure you’re clear of the other vessel before returning to your course.

This isn’t a strict memory drill; it’s a cue to keep safety front and center as you interpret traffic situations.

Connecting to everyday sailing realities

You don’t have to be a naval architect to put Rule 16 into practice. A lot of it comes down to common sense: you’re responsible for your boat’s behavior in traffic, and proactive, visible decisions reduce the chance of a close encounter. It’s worth noting that real-world confrontation with other mariners often comes down to communication and timing more than who has the right of way technically speaking. If you can signal your intentions clearly and line up a safe option, you’re already ahead.

Why the other choices don’t hold up in most cases

• Saying you’ll call out to the stand-on vessel sounds friendly, but it doesn’t change the physical reality of a close encounter if you’re the one obligated to avoid. You still need to take action.

• Holding your position might feel calm in the moment, but it’s a passive stance that can lock you into danger if the other vessel doesn’t adjust.

• Accelerating to “escape” seems intuitive, yet speeding up can shrink the available maneuvering room and raise the risk of a collision, especially in crowded waters or near shorelines where maneuvering space is at a premium.

Bottom line, Rule 16 is a practical, action-oriented guideline. It’s not about drama; it’s about predictability and safety. The give-way vessel must do the heavy lifting to avoid a crash, while the stand-on vessel maintains its status unless the situation clearly requires a different course of action.

Closing thoughts: turning rules into reliable habits

Learning Rule 16 isn’t about memorizing a single line of the COLREGs and calling it a day. It’s about translating that line into reliable on-the-water habits: recognizing risk early, choosing a safe maneuver, and communicating your intentions without confusion. The more you practice interpreting traffic situations, the more natural it becomes to know when to alter course, slow down, or come to a stop before the risk reaches a critical point.

If you’re ever unsure, slow down and reassess. It’s better to lose a little momentum than to gamble with safety. The sea rewards careful judgment, and Rule 16 is a dependable compass for dispersing risk before it becomes a problem.

In the end, the give-way vessel isn’t a villain or a hero; it’s a key part of a shared system that keeps mariners safe. When you act to avoid collision, you’re not just following a rule—you’re protecting lives, cargo, and the vessel you’re responsible for. And that’s a stance worth taking every time you’re at the helm.