Rule 12 explains that in a head-on situation, both vessels must alter course to starboard

Head-on on the water: why both ships turn to starboard

Picture this: two vessels charging toward each other across a busy channel. The sun glints off the water, a gull circles overhead, and for a heartbeat you wonder who will bend first. In this moment, the Rule 12 rule of the COLREGs isn’t a mystery puzzle to solve, it’s a clear instruction to keep everyone safe. When vessels meet head‑on, both must alter course to starboard. Yes, both. Not the bigger ship, not the faster boat, not the one towing a heavy load. It’s a shared rule for a shared space.

Rule 12 in plain language

Let me explain it straight. In a head‑on situation, the obligation isn’t about who is more important or who is bigger. It’s about making your intentions obvious and creating a safe, predictable path for the other vessel to follow. The standard answer—both vessels alter course to starboard—means each boat turns to its own right. If you’re looking at another boat coming toward you, you and the other captain agree on a simple, universal action: steer to the right. It’s that basic, and that effective.

Why starboard, not size or speed

People sometimes wonder if a larger ship should have priority, or if the faster craft should take the lead. It sounds logical in everyday life to let the bigger guy go first, right? But on the water, size and speed aren’t the deciding factors here. Rule 12 doesn’t say “yield to the largest vessel” or “yield to the faster one.” It says both must turn to starboard. The intention is to reduce risk by creating a clear, symmetrical maneuver. If both boats head to the right, their paths diverge safely and the chance of a side collision shrinks dramatically.

And what about the towing vessel? Some folks think towing changes the rules. In practice, a towing vessel still follows the same principle in a head‑on encounter. The towed craft doesn’t gain extra rights; both vessels must alter course to starboard. The same applies whether you’re a small motorboat, a cruising yacht, or a workboat. When two hulls meet head‑on, the rule is the same: bend to starboard together.

Rethinking the misconception menu

Let’s debunk a few common misunderstandings that pop up in chatter on the dock or the radar screen:

• “The bigger ship must give way.” Not true. Size isn’t the deciding factor in this scenario.

• “The faster vessel has to maneuver.” Speed doesn’t determine the obligation here. It’s about courtesy and predictability—both turn to starboard.

• “If one boat is towing, that boat gets different rights.” Not in a head‑on situation. Both vessels still alter course to starboard.

• “One vessel should hold its course to keep its advantage.” That can be dangerous. Predictability wins in close quarters.

What does “alter course to starboard” look like in real life?

Imagine you’re in a small motorboat heading toward a sailboat or another motorboat. You both realize you’re on a collision course. Here’s the practical sequence:

• Acknowledge the situation early. Don’t wait until the last second; you should see the other vessel well ahead.

• Start your turn to starboard (to the right) smoothly and steadily. Sudden, jerky moves confuse the other captain and risk rounding errors in navigation.

• Maintain a safe speed during the maneuver. You want to exit the potential danger zone, not chase a new one.

• Pass with enough clearance. Even after you’re on the starboard helm, keep an eye on the other vessel’s actions. The last thing you want is to cross paths again.

• Communicate if possible. A quick radio call, a horn signal, or even a whistled acknowledgment can reduce uncertainty.

If you’re in a river, canal, or crowded harbor, the same logic applies. The channel is a shared lane; everyone understands that the rightward bend is the safe cooperative move. It’s less about who is “right” and more about who can maneuver in a way that keeps the other vessel confident about your intent.

A few practical tips you can tuck into your seamanship toolbox

• Be proactive, not reactive. If you spot a potential head‑on early, begin the starboard turn sooner rather than later. A small early input now beats a panicked maneuver later.

• Keep your speed in check. You don’t want to outpace your own turn or create a bow‑hook situation as you pass each other.

• Use lights and signals wisely. In low light, proper navigation lights help establish intent. A quick horn blast or timing of a sound signal can confirm you’re both on the same page.

• Stay patient in busy waters. In busy channels, the rule still applies. If you’re unsure, err on side of caution and communicate clearly with the other vessel.

• Practice with partners. If you’re part of a crew, run through the scenario in drills or even a quick on‑the‑water exercise. Muscle memory helps when every second counts.

The human side of Rule 12

Rules aren’t just dry text; they’re social contracts on the water. They’re built around the idea that two competent crews can coordinate smoothly to avoid collision. This is where the calm voice of experience matters. It’s easier to act together when you’ve already internalized the rhythm: “I see you; I can steer to starboard; you steer to starboard as well; let’s pass safely.” It sounds almost mundane, but that predictability is what keeps skippers, deckhands, and passengers feeling secure out there.

A quick analogy you might relate to

Think of two bicycles approaching cross streets at the same time. If both riders turn right, they keep to their own lane and drift past with space between them. If one rider chooses to swing left just as the other does, you’re in a potential crash. On the water, the same principle holds in a larger, louder form. The starboard turn is the shared “right” that keeps everyone on the same page.

What to keep in mind beyond Rule 12

• Rule 12 is part of a larger framework. It sits alongside other rules about speed, visibility, and safe distance. The idea is to prevent collisions in a wide range of situations, not just the head‑on case.

• Weather and visibility can complicate things. If you can’t clearly see the other vessel, increase your alertness, reduce speed, and use all available signals to establish intent.

• Training matters. Even though we’re talking about a simple rule, real competence comes from repetition, situational awareness, and thoughtful risk assessment.

Key takeaways

• In a head‑on situation, both vessels must alter course to starboard.

• Size, speed, or towing status do not change the obligation.

• Early recognition, smooth turning, and clear communication are your friends.

• The goal isn’t to “win” a maneuver but to create a safe, predictable passage for both boats.

Let’s bring it back to the big picture

Rule 12 isn’t a dry line on a chart; it’s a safety ethos that underpins everyday life on the water. When two boats approach like dancers in a tight hallway, the rightward step keeps them in sync. It’s a little thing, but in a pinch, it can make all the difference between a near miss and a safe pass.

If you’re curious to explore more about the Rules of the Road, you’ll find a treasure trove of scenarios, diagrams, and real‑world examples in the naval navigation sections of the Coast Guard’s materials and in reputable navigational handbooks. They’re not about memorizing trivia; they’re about building sound instincts for safe passage.

A final thought

Next time you’re out there, and two vessels are closing in from opposite directions, you’ll hear yourself asking a simple question: “What’s my move?” The answer, practiced and clear, will be the same for both boats. Turn to starboard. It’s a shared signal of good seamanship, a quiet handshake that says: I’ve got you, you’ve got me, and together we’ll get through safely.

If you’d like, I can sketch a few practical on‑the‑water checklists or walk you through additional head‑on scenarios with varying vessel types to help you see Rule 12 in action across different conditions.