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Rule 14

Head-on situation

In sight of one another

Two power-driven vessels meeting head-on: both alter course to starboard and pass port side to port side.

Head-on situation, Rule 14Two power-driven vessels approach bow to bow on reciprocal courses. Both are marked GIVE WAY in amber. Curved arrows show each altering course to her own starboard so they pass port side to port side.A — GIVE WAYalters course to starboardB — GIVE WAYalters course to starboardthey passport to port
Rule 14 — two power-driven vessels meeting on reciprocal courses: neither stands on. Each alters course to starboard and they pass port side to port side.

In plain language

When two power-driven vessels meet on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses with risk of collision, there is no stand-on vessel — each alters course to starboard so they pass port to port. At night the tell-tale picture is the other vessel's masthead lights in a line (or nearly so) and/or both her sidelights at once. If you are in any doubt whether it is head-on, assume it is and turn starboard.

This rule differs under the US Inland Rules. Change the rule set in language and regional settings to see the difference.

Easily confused with

  • Rule 15 — Crossing situation

    One sidelight and masthead lights out of line means crossing, not head-on. If in any doubt, Rule 14(c) says assume head-on and turn starboard.