Rule 16: Action by give-way vessel
Every vessel which is directed by these Rules to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.
COLREGs trainerPart B: Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 16
Action by Give-way Vessel
Take early and substantial action to keep well clear.
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 16 on one page
Rule 16: Action by give-way vessel
Every vessel which is directed by these Rules to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.
Test yourself on Rule 16
- What must the give-way vessel do?
- Take early and substantial action to keep well clear. Rule 16: the give-way vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.
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.