COLREGs Lights & Shapes Practice Test

When one sailing vessel approaches another with the wind on its starboard side, the rules established by the COLREGs dictate that the vessel with the wind on its port side must give way. Therefore, the sailing vessel in question should alter course to port to avoid a collision.

In this scenario, the vessel with the wind on its starboard side has the right of way and is considered to be the stand-on vessel, meaning it should maintain its course and speed. The vessel with the wind on the port side must take action to avoid any potential conflict. By altering course to port, the vessel facilitates safe passage and upholds the navigational convention designed to prevent accidents.

Other options, such as maintaining course or altering course to starboard, would not effectively address the situation, as they do not conform to the right-of-way rule established for vessels under sail. Hailing the other vessel may be unnecessary if the correct maneuver is made promptly to ensure safety on the water.