IALACOLREG
16

Action by Give-way Vessel

Every vessel directed to keep out of the way shall take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

Rule 16 specifies what the give-way vessel must do. Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

The action must be: - Early — not last-minute - Substantial — clearly visible to the other vessel - Effective — resulting in a safe passing distance

STCW Bridge Watch Lens

1

Decide applicability before manoeuvring: Rules 4-10 apply in any visibility, Rules 11-18 only when vessels are in sight, and Rule 19 governs radar-only encounters in restricted visibility.

2

Build the traffic picture with sight, hearing, radar/ARPA and chart context. Do not let AIS or one isolated bearing replace systematic observation.

3

After manoeuvring, keep monitoring bearing, range, CPA/TCPA and passing distance until the other vessel is finally past and clear.

Exam Focus

1

Identify the vessel types first, then the relative bearing, then whether one vessel is overtaking. Misclassifying the encounter is the usual exam failure.

2

If two rules seem to conflict, check the order carefully: overtaking duties still apply, and Rule 2 still requires ordinary seamanship.

Key Takeaways

1

Give-way vessel must act early, not wait until the last moment

2

Action must be substantial and readily apparent

3

The goal is to keep well clear, not just barely avoid collision

Common Mistakes

Taking action too late when the vessels are already close

Making small course changes that are not apparent to the other vessel

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