Module 5 - COLREGs

Rule 18 — Responsibilities Between Vessels

Rule 18 establishes a hierarchy of who gives way based on vessel type. In general, more manoeuvrable vessels give way to less manoeuvrable ones.

The hierarchy (most burdened to least): Power-driven vessels give way to sailing vessels, vessels engaged in fishing, vessels not under command (NUC), vessels restricted in ability to manoeuvre (RAM), and vessels constrained by draught (CBD). Remember: a sailing vessel using its engine is a power-driven vessel.

Key points

  • Power-driven → gives way to → Sailing → Fishing → NUC → RAM
  • Vessels constrained by draught have priority in narrow channels
  • A sailing vessel with engine running is POWER-DRIVEN
  • Rule 13 (overtaking) always applies regardless of type

Tip: Think of it as a pecking order of manoeuvrability. The vessel with more freedom to move has the greater responsibility to keep clear.

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