By chippreid
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In a meeting, overtaking or possible collision situation between two boats, one is “privileged” and one is “burdened.” The privileged vessel is the boat that has right of way in any situation while the burdened vessel must take any action to avoid collision. The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules for International and Inland Waters (72COLLREGS) recently changed the terms, designating the privileged boat as the stand-on vessel while the burdened vessel is the give-way vessel. The easiest way to remember the difference is the idea of a burden. The burdened vessel has the burden of maneuvering out of the way of the privileged vessel, which has the privilege of not having to change course. Read on to learn how to know if you are the privileged or burdened vessel.