Paragraph (a): Which keeps out of the way
When two sailing vessels are approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows:
COLREGs trainerPart B: Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 12
Sailing Vessels
Wind on different sides → port-tack gives way; same side → windward gives way.
Wording follows the International Regulations as printed in the US Coast Guard Navigation Rules handbook (2024), with British spelling, and is shortened in places. Download the rules
Read the whole of Rule 12 on one page
Paragraph (a): Which keeps out of the way
When two sailing vessels are approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows:
Paragraph (a)(i): Wind on different sides
When each has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other.
Paragraph (a)(ii): Wind on the same side
When both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward.
Paragraph (a)(iii): In doubt as to the other’s wind
If a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or on the starboard side, she shall keep out of the way of the other.
Paragraph (b): Windward side defined
For the purposes of this Rule the windward side shall be deemed to be the side opposite to that on which the mainsail is carried or, in the case of a square-rigged vessel, the side opposite to that on which the largest fore-and-aft sail is carried.
Test yourself on Rule 12
- Two sailing vessels are approaching with the wind on different sides. Which one must keep out of the way?
- The vessel which has the wind on the port side. Rule 12(a)(i): when each has the wind on a different side, the vessel with the wind on the port side keeps out of the way.
- Two sailing vessels are approaching with the wind on the same side. Which one must keep out of the way?
- The vessel to windward. Rule 12(a)(ii): when both have the wind on the same side, the windward vessel keeps out of the way of the leeward vessel.
A training aid, not the official text. The COLREGs are an IMO convention, and your national authority publishes the version that applies in its waters. Check the rules themselves before you rely on them at sea. Download the rules.