Who Has Right of Way Sailboat or Cruise Ship?

By Alice Nichols

Who has the right of way: Sailboat or Cruise Ship?

This is a common question among sailors and boaters alike. With so many large boats navigating the waters, it can be difficult to know who has the right of way. The answer depends on the type of vessel and the situation.

When it comes to sailboats and cruise ships, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) state that all vessels must take appropriate action to avoid a collision, regardless of their size or type. In other words, both sailboats and cruise ships have a responsibility to look out for each other’s safety and take action if necessary.

However, if two vessels are on a collision course, COLREGS dictates that the stand-on vessel (the one that is not taking action to avoid the collision) has right of way. This means that if a sailboat is sailing in one direction and a cruise ship is sailing in another direction, then the sailboat would have right of way since it is not taking action to avoid the collision.

In addition to understanding who has right of way in certain situations, it’s important for sailors and boaters to be aware of their surroundings at all times. This includes monitoring their speed, watching out for other vessels on the water, keeping an eye on weather conditions, and understanding any local laws or regulations that may apply in their area. Following these basic safety tips can help prevent collisions between vessels.

At the end of the day, both sailboats and cruise ships have an obligation to keep each other safe while navigating through shared waters. Understanding who has right of way in different situations is just one part of this responsibility—the most important part is making sure everyone stays safe while enjoying time out on the water!

Conclusion: When two vessels are on a collision course according to COLREGS regulations, then it is generally accepted that the stand-on vessel (the one not taking action to avoid a collision) has right of way. However, both boats should always be aware of their surroundings and take appropriate action when necessary in order to prevent collisions between vessels.