<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section's factual accuracy is disputed . Relevant discussion may be found on Talk: International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea . Please help to ensure that disputed statements are reliably sourced . (February 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section's factual accuracy is disputed . Relevant discussion may be found on Talk: International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea . Please help to ensure that disputed statements are reliably sourced . (February 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> A commonly held misconception concerning the rules of marine navigation is that by following specific rules, a vessel can gain certain rights of way over other vessels . No vessel ever has absolute "right of way" over other vessels . Rather, there can be a "give way" (burdened) vessel and a "stand on" (privileged) vessel, or there may be two give way vessels with no stand on vessel . A stand on vessel does not have an absolute right of way over any give way vessel, for if there is a risk of collision, a stand on vessel may still be obliged under Rule 2 and Rule 17 to give way so as to avoid it, if doing so will be effective and is practicable . Two power - driven vessels approaching each other head to head, are both deemed to be "give way" and both are required to alter course so as to avoid colliding with the other . Neither vessel has "right of way". </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> (hide) This section has multiple issues . Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page . (Learn how and when to remove these template messages) <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs attention from an expert in Transport . The specific problem is: see above, at opening of article . See the talk page for details . WikiProject Transport may be able to help recruit an expert . (February 2017) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (February 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table>

Who has the right of way in international waters