COLREGs Rule 16: Action by give-way vessel — Explained

Rule 16 says every vessel required to keep out of the way of another must, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

What Rule 16 says

Every vessel directed to keep out of the way of another shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

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

Act early and make it obvious. Bearing away 40° or tacking well before the stand-on boat starts to worry tells its skipper exactly what you are doing.

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 15: Crossing situation
Rule 17: Action by stand-on vessel
Rule 18: Responsibilities between vessels
Rule 19: Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility