When does a skipper need to give way to other vessels?

A skipper must give way to another vessel when it is on a collision course to ensure safety and avoid a maritime accident. This rule is rooted in the fundamental principle of navigational safety, which prioritizes preventing collisions at all costs.

When two vessels are on a direct path to intersect at the same point, the captain of the vessel that has the other approaching from the side must take action to avoid a collision. The rules of the road, established by maritime law, clearly state that vessels must yield to prevent an accident in such scenarios. This is crucial because collisions can lead to significant damage to both vessels, potential injury to crew members, and environmental hazards such as spills.

While the other options might involve situations where certain best practices or protocols apply, the necessity to give way in a collision course scenario is an unequivocal rule designed to manage safety on the waters.