Short answer
A motorboat gives way to a sailboat. When two boats meet head-on, both turn to starboard. When your courses cross, the boat that has the other on its starboard side gives way. The overtaking boat always gives way. Give way early and clearly. The other boat keeps its course and speed but must still avoid a collision. The rules come from the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG), and in Sweden they are supplemented by the sjötrafikförordningen.
Who gives way to whom
| Situation | Who gives way | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Overtaking | The overtaking vessel, regardless of type | 13 |
| Two powerboats meeting head-on | Both, to starboard | 14 |
| Two powerboats crossing | The one with the other on its starboard side | 15 |
| Powerboat and sailboat | The powerboat | 18 |
| Sailboat and fishing vessel or vessel not under command | The sailboat | 18 |
| Vessel in a narrow channel | Boats under 20 m and sailboats must not impede vessels that can only navigate within the channel | 9 |
Two sailboats
- Opposite tacks: the boat on port tack gives way.
- Same tack: the windward boat gives way.
- If you can't tell which tack the other boat is on, give way if you are on port tack.
A sailboat under engine counts as a power-driven vessel, even with sails up.
How to give way correctly
- Take a bearing on the other boat early. If it does not change while the distance closes, you are on a collision course.
- Make a clear course change, preferably to starboard, or slow down.
- Pass astern of the boat you are giving way to.
- If you are the stand-on vessel, you must still act if it becomes obvious the other boat is not giving way.
Sound and light signals that show intent
When two boats can see each other, you can use short signals to show what you intend to do:
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| One short | I am altering course to starboard |
| Two short | I am altering course to port |
| Three short | I am going astern |
| At least five short | I don't understand your intentions |
| One long | I am approaching a bend where the view is obstructed |
Five short blasts from a large ship are a warning. Make a clear manoeuvre away from its course. At night, the navigation lights show which way a boat is heading. If you see both red and green, it is coming straight at you. If you see only red, it is coming from your starboard side, and you are the one who must give way. If you see only green, it is crossing from port. Hold your course then, but be ready to act.
Local rules and large ships
Under the Maritime Traffic Ordinance, County Administrative Boards and municipalities may set local speed limits and bans. These are marked with signs and special marks, see navigation marks. A large ship in a narrow channel can barely turn and sees small boats late. Keep clear in good time and listen to VHF, see VHF channels.
Frequently asked questions
Does a sailboat always have right of way?
No. A sailing boat must give way to vessels engaged in fishing, not under command or constrained by their draught, and an overtaking vessel always keeps clear. In narrow channels, a sailing boat must not impede vessels that can only navigate within the channel.
What are the rules when two motorboats meet head-on?
Both alter course to starboard so they pass port to port.
Do the give-way rules apply on lakes?
Yes. The rules of the road apply on all waters navigable by vessels, unless something else has been decided locally.
Does a kayak or rowing boat count?
Yes, they count as vessels under the rules. Someone rowing or paddling cannot give way very quickly, so give them plenty of room.
Sources
- COLREG – internationella sjövägsreglerna, IMO imo.org
- Sjötrafikförordning (1986:300), Sveriges riksdag riksdagen.se
- Sjösäkerhet för fritidsbåtar, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se