COLREG / ARPA / AIS Bridge Rule 14 Rule 8 ✓ Free demo

Head-On Situation (Rule 14)

Clear visibility. A power-driven vessel approaches you on a reciprocal course, nearly right ahead.

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Scenario briefing

Clear visibility. A power-driven vessel approaches you on a reciprocal course, nearly right ahead. Rule 14(a): each shall alter course to STARBOARD so that each passes on the port side of the other. Turn to starboard 30°, hold the new course, and achieve CPA 1 NM.

Applicable COLREG rule(s)

Rule 14 — 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 14 — Head-on situation — both alter starboard — radar PPI with AIS targets — Bridge-simulator scene under COLREG Rule 14 — Head-on situation — both alter starboard. Captured from the SkipperCheck COLREG / ARPA / AIS bridge simulator.

Key teaching points

Rule 14(a): each shall alter course to STARBOARD so that each passes on the port side of the other.
A meeting is considered head-on when masthead lights are in a line or nearly so, AND both sidelights are seen (or by day, the corresponding aspect).
Alter ≥20° to starboard; less is not "readily apparent" under Rule 8(b).
Rule 14(c): when in doubt whether the situation is head-on, assume it IS and act accordingly.

Common mistakes to avoid

Altering 5–10° because the target is "almost ahead". The other vessel's radar cannot read that as intentional.
Altering to port because the other vessel is just on your starboard bow. Rule 14 sends both to starboard, period.

Why it matters

Head-on encounters are the simplest geometry in COLREG and yet still produce collisions. Both vessels are give-way, both must alter to starboard, and the action must be obvious — but it is the rule most often hesitated on by yacht skippers who assume "the big ship will see me".

Exam relevance

Head-on situations are the first rule-application test in nearly every yachting and STCW exam — a candidate who hesitates here will be probed harder on crossing and overtaking.

Related scenarios

About SkipperCheck simulators

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ARPA · AIS · COLREG Bridge Simulator — 54 scenarios covering Rules 2, 5–10, 12–19, 23–30, 34 and 35.
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