Part B · Steering and sailing rules · Rule 16
Action by Give-way Vessel
16 Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.
- “Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel”Any vessel that another Rule makes the give-way vessel: Rule 12 (sailing vessels), Rule 13 (overtaking), Rule 15 (crossing) and Rule 18 (vessels of different types). In a head-on situation (Rule 14) neither vessel is directed to keep out of the way; both alter to starboard.
- “shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear”Act in good time, while there is plenty of room, rather than waiting to see what the other vessel does. Make the alteration of course and/or speed large enough to be readily apparent to the other vessel, by eye or by radar, and avoid a series of small alterations (Rule 8(b)). Aim to pass at a safe distance (Rule 8(d)), not just to avoid hitting her. “So far as possible” recognises that sea room, traffic or depth of water may limit what you can do.
Give-way vessel: act early, make it big and obvious, and pass well clear. A late or small alteration leaves the stand-on vessel unsure what you are doing.