The give-way zone on a recreational vessel runs from the bow centerline to 112.5 degrees along the starboard side. This vessel (give-way) MUST make early and substantial action to avoid collision. In other words, the vessel must give the right of way to a vessel off its starboard bow and beam. The give-way zone is also know as the green sector. The give way vessel's starboard running light is green. When another vessel sees your green light it is the stand-on vessel...green means go.

The stand-on vessel must maintain course and speed.

Simple. Or at least it should be. I encounter vessels regularly out on the water that have no clue about give-way. They believe they have the right of way 100 percent of the time. Obviously it's the responsibility of the captain to avoid collision. Even if their vessel is the stand-on.

There are exceptions to this rule. They pertain to other Rules of the Road for discussion at a later date.