Who Has The Right of Way

You’re out for a peaceful daysail when another vessel seems determined to occupy the exact same patch of water as you. Who has the right of way? What are your responsibilities?

The U.S. Coast Guard Inland Navigation Rules govern these situations, and understanding them is crucial for safe sailing. While the full rules apply to all vessels (available here), this guide focuses on key rules for sailors.

Who Needs to Know These Rules?

  • ASA 101 and 103 students learn basic Steering and Sailing Rules (Part B, Rules 4–19).
  • ASA 104 requires deeper knowledge of these, plus General Rules (Part A).
  • Though ASA 104 doesn’t cover night sailing, all sailors should understand lights, shapes (Part C), and sound signals (Part D) for low-visibility conditions like fog or rain.

ASA strongly recommends studying the full Navigation Rules.

Key Rules Every Sailor Should Know

Rule 2: Responsibility

  • No vessel is excused from avoiding collisions, even if another boat ignores the rules.
  • In emergencies, you must deviate from standard rules to prevent danger.

Rule 3: Definitions

  • A sailing vessel only qualifies if under sail without engine power.
  • If motoring (even with sails up), you’re a power-driven vessel.

Rule 5: Lookout

  • Always maintain a proper lookout using sight, sound, and available tools.
  • Bonus: Vigilance helps spot wildlife like dolphins or whales!

Rule 6: Safe Speed

  • Travel at a speed that allows quick, effective collision avoidance.

Rule 9: Narrow Channels

  • Keep to the starboard side in narrow channels.
  • Small vessels and sailboats must not impede larger ships confined to the channel.

Right-of-Way Rules

Rules 12–17 define give-way (must take action) and stand-on (maintain course/speed) vessels.

Rule 12: Sailing Vessels

  • Wind on different sides? The port-tack boat yields to starboard-tack.
  • Wind on the same side? The windward boat yields to the leeward boat.

Rule 13: Overtaking

  • The overtaking vessel must keep clear, regardless of wind/sail.

Rule 14: Head-On (Power-Driven Vessels)

  • Both vessels turn starboard, passing port-to-port.

Rule 15: Crossing (Power-Driven Vessels)

  • The vessel with the other on its starboard side must yield.

Final Reminder

  • There’s no “right of way”—only a duty to avoid collisions.
  • The stand-on vessel must hold course unless the give-way vessel fails to act.

For more details, check Bareboat Cruising Made Easy, the official ASA 104 manual.

Stay alert, sail smart, and enjoy the water safely!

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