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Who Gives Way #069

Who gives way?

Five short top-down encounters. Name the situation, then choose the safest appropriate action — not only who has right of way.

Play today's challengeLights and shapes trainer

Scene 1 of 5

Rule 12

Two sailing vessels, you on port tack

What is the safest appropriate action now? Clear visibility · both under sail.

Two sailing vessels, you on port tack. You, port tack heading up the page. Starboard-tack yacht bears 50 degrees. Clear visibility · both under sail.
What is the safest appropriate action now?

Direct answer

Ask what the safest appropriate action is now. Crossing, head-on, overtaking and restricted-visibility scenes each have one authored action. Right of way is not a licence to hold on into a collision.

Best for
Day Skipper COLREGs revision
Includes
Rules 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18 and 19
Format
Free daily five-scene challenge

How to read a scene

  1. 1. You head up the page. The other vessel's bearing is from your heading.
  2. 2. Name the situation. Crossing, head-on, overtaking, or a vessel that cannot give way.
  3. 3. Choose the action. Early and obvious is safer than a late stand-on.
Sources and factual review

Reviewed 13 August 2026. Scenes follow COLREGs Rules 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18 and 19 as taught in RYA Day Skipper theory. They are authored teaching cases, not a substitute for the Convention or a lookout.