Action by Give-way Vessel

Rule text#

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.

Why it shows up on the exam#

Do not wait for Rule 17 to rescue the situation. If Rules 13, 15, or 18 make you the give-way vessel, the exam answer is usually prompt, obvious action that opens passing distance early.

Exam checkpoints#

1. 1.

   Trigger

   You are directed to keep out

   Rule 16 does not decide who gives way. It starts after another conduct rule, such as overtaking, crossing, or vessel hierarchy, makes your vessel the one that must keep out of the way.

2. 2.

   Timing and size

   Early and substantial

   The action should be made in good time and be large enough for the stand-on vessel to understand it. A late or tiny adjustment is the classic wrong-answer pattern.

3. 3.

   Required result

   Keep well clear

   The rule is satisfied by opening the passing situation, not by merely avoiding contact at the last moment. The phrase to remember is 'keep well clear.'

Rule 16 — common exam questions#

What does Rule 16 require from the give-way vessel?

Rule 16 requires the vessel directed to keep out of the way to take early and substantial action, so far as possible, to keep well clear of the other vessel (33 CFR §83.16).

When does Rule 16 apply?

Rule 16 applies after another rule makes your vessel the give-way vessel. Common exam setups include an overtaking vessel, a crossing vessel with the other on her starboard side, or a power-driven vessel keeping clear of a higher-priority vessel.

What does 'early and substantial action' mean?

It means an avoidance maneuver made in enough time and with enough size to be readily apparent and to open the passing distance. A small, late change is not the Rule 16 pattern.

Is Inland Rule 16 different from COLREGs Rule 16?

For the give-way vessel action requirement, the Inland text at 33 CFR §83.16 uses the same operative language: take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

Authoritative source#

Source links checked against the current public rule corpus on 2026-06-21.

• 33 CFR §83.16 — the section this text comes from, with its neighbours.
• The Inland Navigation Rules are codified at 33 CFR Part 83 and are public domain. The international COLREGs text is published separately by the IMO.

Practice this rule#

One real exam question on this rule, cited to source. No sign-up.