COLREG / ARPA / AIS Bridge Rule 15 Rule 16 Rule 8 🔒 Course / Premium

Crossing — You Are Give-Way (Rule 15 / 16)

Clear visibility. A power-driven vessel is on your STARBOARD side, crossing from right to left.

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Scenario briefing

Clear visibility. A power-driven vessel is on your STARBOARD side, crossing from right to left. Rule 15: you shall keep out of the way and, if circumstances permit, avoid crossing ahead of her. Rule 16: take EARLY and SUBSTANTIAL action substantial starboard turn to pass astern.

Applicable COLREG rule(s)

Rule 15 — referenced in this scenario. Practising this scenario reinforces correct application under realistic time pressure.

Rule 16 — referenced in this scenario. Practising this scenario reinforces correct application under realistic time pressure.

Rule 8 — referenced in this scenario. Practising this scenario reinforces correct application under realistic time pressure.

📸 Bridge simulator scene

Captured directly from the SkipperCheck COLREG bridge simulator at scenario T = 0 — the moment the encounter begins.

SkipperCheck bridge simulator — COLREG Rule 15 / 16 — Crossing — you are give-way — radar PPI with AIS targets — Bridge-simulator scene under COLREG Rule 15 / 16 — Crossing — you are give-way. Captured from the SkipperCheck COLREG / ARPA / AIS bridge simulator.

Key teaching points

Rule 15: power-driven vessel with another on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way.
Rule 15: if circumstances permit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.
Rule 16: take EARLY and SUBSTANTIAL action — a bold alteration to starboard passes you astern.
Reducing speed is also a give-way option, useful when starboard turn is awkward.

Common mistakes to avoid

Turning to port to "cut across her bow before she gets here". Rule 15 forbids crossing ahead unless unavoidable.
Holding course "until I see what she does". Rule 17 belongs to the stand-on vessel — you are give-way and must act.

Why it matters

The give-way side of a crossing is where COLREG has the highest record of inadequate action: too small, too late, or to the wrong side. The rule is unforgiving — the give-way vessel must keep clear AND, if circumstances permit, avoid crossing ahead.

Exam relevance

Crossing give-way is the most-tested COLREG scenario in RYA Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster orals — early, substantial starboard action and avoiding the bow are non-negotiable answers.

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