Why the stand-on vessel turns to the right to avoid a collision under COLREGs Rules of the Road

On busy waterways, calm decisions matter as much as quick reflexes. The COLREGs are the rules of the road at sea, and they’re built to keep boats from colliding when signals, speeds, and courses get tangled. A lot of the time, the stand-on vessel keeps her course, because she has the right of way in a crossing scenario. But what happens when that right-of-way still isn’t enough, and a collision seems possible? That’s when the stand-on may need to change course. So, which way should she turn?

Which way, exactly?

If the stand-on vessel must alter course to avoid a collision, she should generally turn to the right — to starboard. The simple answer is “to the right.” It sounds almost too easy, but there’s a solid logic behind it that keeps traffic predictable in crowded seas.

Let me explain why turning to the right is the preferred path.

Starboard first, predictability second

Think of the water like a busy street. Cars follow lanes, signals, and a rough sense of where other drivers are aiming. Boats aren’t exactly cars, but the same idea applies: predictable movements reduce the risk of surprise. When the stand-on vessel turns to starboard, other vessels — especially the give-way vessel — can anticipate what’s coming next. It’s a clear, widely understood signal that helps avoid a domino effect of maneuvers.

In practice, turning to the right keeps the stand-on vessel roughly on her original trajectory, just shifted enough to clear the other vessel. This predictability is a big deal in congested waterways, where a tiny misread can cascade into contact. If the stand-on vessel suddenly turned left, the give-way vessel would have to guess not only which way she’s going but also why. That guesswork is exactly where collisions creep in.

What about the other options? Why not?

• Going with the currents or wind: Yes, currents and winds are real forces, and they affect a vessel’s actual path. But they aren’t reliable signals for deliberately negotiating a crossing. Relying on a current to carry you safely past another vessel would be like trying to ride a streetcar that isn’t in your lane — you’re not steering the outcome; you’re hoping the environment does it for you. In practice, a controlled turn to starboard is a deliberate action that others can read clearly.

• Turning in the opposite direction of the give-way vessel: This might feel like you’re “going with” what the other boat is doing, but it’s a recipe for confusion. If you head left while the give-way boat comes right, or vice versa, you’re splitting the mental map of every mariner nearby. The whole point of the rules is to minimize confusion by sticking to consistent, expected maneuvers. A sudden, opposite turn invites miscommunication and raises the risk of a collision.

• Staying on course and hoping for the best: In many crossing situations, staying put is not an option if collision is imminent. The stand-on has a duty to avoid collision if it becomes unavoidable. Waiting and hoping the other boat will do the right thing can lead to disaster, especially when visibility is limited or traffic is dense.

A practical way to think about it

Here’s a simple mental model you can carry on deck: If you’re the stand-on vessel and you must move, move in the direction that other boats automatically expect you to move in — starboard. It’s the direction most mariners are prepared for, and it minimizes the chance that your maneuver will surprise someone who’s watching for your intent. It’s not about bravado; it’s about clarity.

A few real-world touches that help in the moment

• Signal your intention: If safe to do so, a clear voice on VHF or a concise light/sound signal can help others understand your action. A quick, calm broadcast like, “altering course to starboard, stand-on vessel,” can prevent misinterpretations.

• Make the turn smoothly: A sudden, jerky change can spike risk. A steady, predictable arc gives other vessels time to adjust their own plans.

• Keep looking out: Your eyes are your best safety tool. Even as you move, keep a sharp lookout for other traffic, changing weather, or any new hazards that could complicate the maneuver.

• Adjust speed as needed: Sometimes you’ll need to slow a bit to keep close to your new path. If you can do this without creating a new risk, a modest speed change helps keep the other vessel informed of your plan.

• If radio contact is warranted, don’t hesitate: Some situations benefit from a brief, friendly exchange. It can confirm mutual understanding and reduce the chance of a second misread.

A quick nod to rules and why they matter

Rule awareness isn’t about memorizing a dozen esoteric details. It’s about a shared language on the water. The stand-on vessel is the one that has the right of way in a crossing, but she’s not a passive character in this play. When collision becomes likely, she must act. The preferred action — turn to starboard — keeps the dance orderly, reduces guesswork, and makes everyone’s job easier.

If you’re curious about the broader picture, a quick look at how these rules frame everyday navigation helps a lot. Crossing, head-on, and overtaking situations each have their own expected behaviors, but the consistent thread is predictability. When boats move in ways others can expect, near-misses become near-misses, not accidents.

What this means on the water today

Whether you’re piloting a small pleasure craft, a commercial vessel, or something in between, the starboard turn rule is a reminder that navigation is as much about communication as it is about force. You’re not just steering your hull; you’re communicating your intent to anyone else who might be in the same air and water. Clear signals, calm actions, and a willingness to adapt your plan when it’s required — that’s what keeps crossing situations from spiraling into trouble.

It’s easy to romanticize the sea, but it’s also honest. The water doesn’t care about intentions or bravado. It cares about physics and predictability. The COLREGs are a shared toolkit to translate intent into a safe outcome when waves, wind, and traffic become a crowd. Turning to starboard when you must change course is small but mighty in service of that goal.

A little perspective for the curious mind

If you’ve ever watched a busy marina on a sunny afternoon, you can sense why this matters. Boats drift into lanes, engines tick, radios crackle to life with terse but polite exchanges. In that hum, a steady habit stands out: when in doubt, move in a way others can read. The standout moment in many close calls isn’t the speed or the size of the vessel; it’s the clarity of the turn, the confidence of the signal, and the calm cadence that follows.

Closing thought: practice makes a safer harbor

Rules are most useful when they become second nature, not a checklist you mutter and forget. The starboard turn rule is part of a larger philosophy: keep the waterways predictable, keep the other guy informed, and be ready to adjust your plan when safety requires it. A little habit here, a clear signal there, and suddenly those crowded channels feel less intimidating and more navigable.

If you’re ever unsure how to apply the rule in a tricky crossing, remember this line of thought: stand-on rights come with responsibility to avoid collision; when action is needed, turn to the right. It’s a compact guideline that can save you, the crew, and other mariners a lot of trouble.

So, the next time you’re on deck and a crossing is unfolding, ask yourself what would be most readable by others. If a course change is necessary, lean into starboard — and keep your eyes bright, your signals clean, and your heading true. The sea rewards clarity, and that little turn to the right is a dependable sign that you’re navigating with purpose rather than fear.