Part B · Section II
COLREGs Rule 15: Crossing situation
Rule 15 says when two power-driven vessels cross with risk of collision, the vessel that has the other on its own starboard side keeps out of the way and, if possible, avoids crossing ahead of it.
What Rule 15 says
- Applies to two power-driven vessels crossing so as to involve risk of collision.
- The vessel with the other on her own starboard side keeps out of the way.
- If circumstances admit, she avoids crossing ahead of the other vessel.
This is a plain-English summary, not the official wording. For the exact text, see the IMO convention. In UK waters the rules are given legal force by the Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations.
What it means on a yacht
At night, if you see a vessel's red sidelight on your starboard side, you are the give-way vessel: 'red to red, go ahead; green to red, give way'. Turn to starboard and pass astern of it, or slow down.
Practise it
Test yourself on who gives way in the free COLREGs trainer, or print the rules of the road cheat sheets for the chart table.
Other rules in Part B
- Rule 4: Application of Section I
- Rule 5: Look-out
- Rule 6: Safe speed
- Rule 7: Risk of collision
- Rule 8: Action to avoid collision
- Rule 9: Narrow channels
- Rule 10: Traffic separation schemes
- Rule 11: Application of Section II
- Rule 12: Sailing vessels
- Rule 13: Overtaking
- Rule 14: Head-on situation
- Rule 16: Action by give-way vessel
- Rule 17: Action by stand-on vessel
- Rule 18: Responsibilities between vessels
- Rule 19: Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility