Making Way

Moving through the water rather than merely moving over the ground with the surrounding water.

A vessel may be making way under engine, sail, oars, tow or another means; the expression does not require its own propulsion. Conversely, a vessel drifting with a current can move over the ground while making little or no way through the water.

The distinction matters in collision regulations, manoeuvring and interpreting lights and shapes. ‘Under way’ is a separate status meaning that a vessel is not at anchor, made fast to shore or aground, and an under-way vessel is not necessarily making way.