COLREGs Rules 15-16: Crossing situations and give-way vessel action

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026

Rule 15 covers two power-driven vessels crossing so as to involve risk of collision. The vessel that has the other on her starboard side must keep out of the way. Rule 16 requires any vessel directed to keep out of the way to take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

Applies toRule 15 applies to two power-driven vessels crossing so as to involve risk of collision, and Rule 16 applies to every vessel directed to keep out of the way of another vessel.

What it says

  1. When two power-driven vessels cross so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel that has the other on her own starboard side must keep out of the way.

    “the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way”

  2. That vessel must also avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel, if the circumstances of the case admit.

    “shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.”

  3. Inland: On the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or water specified by the Secretary, a power-driven vessel crossing a river must keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel ascending or descending the river.

    COLREGs Rules 15-16(b)“a power-driven vessel crossing a river shall keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel ascending or descending the river.”

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

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

Common questions

Who gives way in a crossing situation?

When two power-driven vessels cross with risk of collision, the vessel that has the other on her starboard side must keep out of the way.

“the vessel which has the other on her starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.”

Who has the right of way when crossing a river under the Inland Rules?

Inland: On the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or water specified by the Secretary, a power-driven vessel crossing a river must keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel ascending or descending the river.

“a power-driven vessel crossing a river shall keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel ascending or descending the river.”

What must a give-way vessel do?

A give-way vessel must, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

“shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.”

The text of COLREGs Rules 15-16

U.S. Coast Guard, Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook

Rule 15: Crossing Situation; Rule 16: Action by Give-way Vessel

International (COLREGs)

When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.

Inland Rules

Crossing situation (a) When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Rule, on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or water specified by the Secretary ‡, a power-driven vessel crossing a river shall keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel ascending or descending the river.

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International (COLREGs)

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

Inland Rules

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

The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of August 12, 2024. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.