Understanding Right of Way on the Water: Who Has Priority?

When two boats are on the same course, determining who has the right of way is essential for safe and efficient navigation. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) set forth clear rules regarding right of way, or "stand-on" and "give-way" vessels. Let’s break down these rules, including situations involving different types of vessels and a special focus on two sailboats sharing a course.

In United States waters, for the official rules of navigation, refer to the U.S. Coast Guard  Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook.

General Right of Way Hierarchy

Certain vessels have special rights under COLREGs based on their ability to maneuver. Here is the general order of precedence:

1. A vessel not under command (e.g., broken down, disabled) has the highest priority.

2. A vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver (e.g., conducting dredging, cable-laying, or navigation aid maintenance).

3. A vessel constrained by draft (such as a large ship in a designated shipping channel, where it cannot maneuver outside of its deep-water route).

4. A vessel engaged in fishing operations (with fishing gear that restricts maneuverability, such as drag nets, but not simple rod-and-line fishing).

5. A sailing vessel (when encountering power-driven vessels that are not otherwise restricted).

6. A power-driven vessel (which must generally yield to all the above vessels, such as a motorboat).
   
   

Special Situations

Sailboat vs. Power-Driven Vessel

In most situations, a sailboat under sail has the right of way over a power-driven vessel. However, if the sailboat is overtaking the power-driven vessel, the sailboat must yield. Additionally, if the power-driven vessel is restricted in its ability to maneuver (e.g., towing, fishing, or navigating a narrow channel), the sailboat must yield.

Sailboat vs. Vessel Not Under Command or Restricted in Ability to Maneuver

A sailboat must always give way to vessels that are not under command or are restricted in their ability to maneuver due to their work (e.g., laying cables, dredging, or assisting navigation).

Sailboat vs. Fishing Vessel

A sailboat must yield to vessels engaged in fishing with equipment that restricts their ability to maneuver, such as drag nets or long lines. However, if a fishing vessel is simply moving from one spot to another and is not engaged in active fishing operations, normal right-of-way rules apply.

Sailboat vs. Vessel in a Designated Shipping Channel

Large ships restricted by draft within a designated shipping channel always have the right of way over a sailboat. A sailboat must keep clear and avoid impeding the passage of these larger vessels.

Two Sailboats on the Same Course: Who Has the Right of Way?

When two sailboats meet, the right-of-way rules depend on the point of sail and wind direction:

1. Port Tack vs. Starboard Tack: If two sailboats are on opposite tacks (one with the wind coming over the port side and the other with the wind coming over the starboard side), the sailboat on the port tack must yield to the sailboat on the starboard tack.

2. Same Tack – Leeward vs. Windward: If both sailboats are on the same tack, the boat that is windward (closer to where the wind is coming from) must yield to the leeward (downwind) boat.

3. Overtaking: A sailboat overtaking another must always give way to the vessel being overtaken, regardless of tack.
   
   

Understanding the right-of-way rules is crucial for safe and respectful navigation on the water. Whether encountering power-driven vessels, fishing boats, or fellow sailboats, applying these principles will help avoid collisions and ensure smooth sailing. Always keep a sharp lookout, communicate intentions early, and when in doubt, give way to prevent any potential danger.