I was just reading some guys tips about give way rules.He says that the universal rule is to pass on the right (starboard)
That is NOT correct, all vessels should pass "port to port" which means the oncoming vessel will be on your left hand side.
There is a rule which says if you have a vessel on your starboard/right side and you think you might collide, the vessel which has the other one on its right side should turn to sterboard/right. This will ensure they pass behind the other vessel.
cheers and keep surfing.....oops kiteing.......nah sailing on real boats

That's what passing by the right is isn't it? You go to the right of the oncoming craft. In other words you pass port to port. Whatever.... That is the proper thing to do. However you can't count on the skipper of the other craft knowing that so its best to avoid situations where it comes down to turn the proper way or crash.

Giving Way
The master must continuously assess the risk of collision with other vessels and power vessels must give way to:

sailing vessels
vessels approaching head on (by altering course to starboard)
vessels approaching from the right (starboard) hand side (ie, crossing)
vessels displaying the special lights and signals shown in this chapter
large vessels restricted in their manoeuvrability
any vessel being overtaken and
vessels engaged in fishing activities and showing appropriate signals.
A vessel drifting is deemed to be underway and has no special right of way. It is required to comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

Note: In a collision, all masters involved can be held responsible even if the give-way vessel does not give way, because all masters are required to exercise caution and take avoiding action if the other vessel does not.

Always keep a safe distance off other vessels so the vessel can be stopped or manoeuvred to avoid any sudden danger. The faster the speed, the greater the safe distance must be. When altering course make your intentions clear to others as early as possible.

Sound Signals
Special sound signals exist for vessels to indicate their manoeuvring intentions when they are in sight of one another.


1 short blast ... I am altering course to starboard (the right).
2 short blasts ... I am altering course to port (the left).
3 short blasts ... I am operating engines astern (stopping/slowing).
5 short blasts ... I am unsure of your intentions and I doubt whether you are taking sufficient action to avoid collision.

Power Gives Way to Sail
A power driven vessel must give way to a sailing vessel unless the sailing vessel is in the process of overtaking
(Hover over picture for animation)

Power Driven Vessels Meeting Head on
When two power driven vessels meet head on, each must alter course to starboard (to the right) and pass at a safe distance.

Power Driven Vessels Crossing

In crossing situations, give way to the right.

Action to Avoid Collision

The give-way vessel must avoid a collision by changing course substantially, by slowing down, or stopping and allowing the vessel which has right of way to pass clear ahead. This must be done as early as possible.

reference
http://www.waterways.nsw.gov.au/sbh/onwater.html

You should give way to people on Starboards.

If there are two starboards approaching each other, the least expensive one should get out of the way of the most expensive one.

yes, well if both vessels make a turn to the right so they pass wiith port sides "touching" that's all good. BUT the way the guy worded his help story makes it sound like you should pass with your right sides "touching" which in maritime terms is written 'starboard to starboard'

evlPanda said...

To the next kiter that out points me when I'm on starboard, forces me to ditch to avoid a collision with lines or fall off plane/in water, then sprays me while boosting...

... let's play Chicken.

Seriously. If you see me on starboard, unhooked and grinning you know what game we're playing. You can't win, and you can't quit.

Any legal advice appreciated. Does this count as premeditated?

Sounds like you need to sort out your upwind technique if kiters are out pointing you

Pauline said...

yes, well if both vessels make a turn to the right so they pass wiith port sides "touching" that's all good. BUT the way the guy worded his help story makes it sound like you should pass with your right sides "touching" which in maritime terms is written 'starboard to starboard'

If you "pass someone on the right" how can you possibly touch starboard sides?

shark said...
If you "pass someone on the right" how can you possibly touch starboard sides?

When you are overtaking somebody to your right..

what if I'm riding a starboard,whilst drinking port,I'm overtakin' with emotion,resticted by fin enormity, but I'm displaying "not in control " day shapes ??
(this is of course hypothetical. I ride a naish or f2 and prefer beer)