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All questions
Buoyage

What should powerboats do in a head-on situation?

Short answer

Both alter to starboard

Rule 14 requires power-driven vessels meeting head-on to alter to starboard so they pass port-to-port, and says to assume the situation exists if in doubt. Revise Identify the Encounter Before Assigning the Duty.

Sources and scope

Reviewed by Richard Moore on . This answer is scoped to iala region a unless the answer says otherwise; check the current chart, publication, local rules and official operational guidance before acting afloat.

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What should powerboats do in a head-on situation?