Give Way

To take the action required to keep clear of another vessel in a collision-avoidance situation.

Where the collision regulations require a vessel to give way, its action should be early and substantial enough to be readily apparent and should result in passing at a safe distance. Depending on the circumstances, that can involve altering course, reducing speed, stopping or reversing propulsion.

Give way does not mean that one vessel owns an unrestricted right of way. The applicable responsibilities depend on the complete encounter, and every vessel retains duties concerning lookout, safe speed and action to avoid collision when danger persists.