Rule 14 - Head on Situation

Elements

• Two power driven vessels
• Meeting on Reciprocal or nearly reciprocal course
• Risk of collision exists

Each vessel shall alter course to starboard and pass PORT to PORT

A head on situation exists when each vessel sees the other vessel ahead on a seemingly reciprocal course and by night she can see the masthead lights of the other in a line or nearly in a line

Differences with the inland rule
Unless otherwise agreed, which allows vessels in inland waters to pass Starboard to Starboard

A PDV operating on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers or waters specified by the Secretary AND proceeding DOWN BOUND with a following current SHALL:

• Have right of way over an UP BOUND vessel
• propose the manner and place of passage
• initiate the appropriate signals
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