If two ships under steam are meeting end on, or nearly end on, so as to involve risk of collision, each shall alter her course to starboard so that each may pass on the port side of the other.
If two ships under steam are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the ship which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way of the other.
Steamships must, in cases where there is risk of collision, keep out of the way of sailing vessels.
A vessel, whether sail or steam, when overtaking another, must keep out of the way of the overtaken ship.
Where by the above rules one of two ships is to keep out of the way, the other shall keep her course.
The following rhymes should be committed to memory:
When both sidelights you see ahead,
Port your helm and show your red!
Green to green or red to red,
Perfect safety—go ahead!