Radar shows a vessel forward of your beam closing. Which turn should you avoid?

To port (unless she's being overtaken)

You hear a fog signal apparently forward of the beam. What does Rule 19(e) require (unless risk of collision has been ruled out)?

Reduce to minimum steerage speed

Rule 19: Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility (COLREGS)

Last reviewed October 21, 2026

The short answer

Rule 19 applies to vessels not in sight of one another in or near restricted visibility. There's no stand-on or give-way vessel. Proceed at a safe speed with engines ready, and if radar shows a close-quarters situation, act in ample time, avoiding a turn to port for a vessel forward of the beam.

The rule text

This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility.
International Rules, U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook (NAVCEN, 2024 corrected edition), Rule 19

an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken;
International Rules, U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook (NAVCEN, 2024 corrected edition), Rule 19

an alteration of course towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.
International Rules, U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook (NAVCEN, 2024 corrected edition), Rule 19

What it means on the water

Applies only when vessels are not in sight of one another (19(a)).
Safe speed for the conditions; power-driven vessels keep engines ready for immediate maneuver (19(b)).
Radar contact developing into close quarters: act in ample time, and avoid the two turns in 19(d).
Hearing a fog signal apparently forward of the beam (unless risk of collision has been ruled out): slow to the minimum speed to keep on course, take all way off if necessary (19(e)).

International vs Inland

Same in substance. Inland refers to Rules 4 through 10 where International says Section I of this Part.

Common exam traps

Applying stand-on/give-way rules in fog when vessels aren't in sight.
Turning to port for a radar contact forward of the beam.

Try 3 questions on Rule 19

In fog, vessels not in sight of one another: who is the stand-on vessel?
1. The one on the right
2. Neither
3. The larger
4. The slower
Show answer
B. Neither Rule 19 sets conduct for each vessel; the in-sight stand-on rules don't apply.
Radar shows a vessel forward of your beam closing. Which turn should you avoid?
1. To starboard
2. To port (unless she's being overtaken)
3. Any turn
4. Slowing
Show answer
B. To port (unless she's being overtaken) Rule 19(d)(i).
You hear a fog signal apparently forward of the beam. What does Rule 19(e) require (unless risk of collision has been ruled out)?
1. Speed up
2. Reduce to minimum steerage speed
3. Sound five short
4. Anchor
Show answer
B. Reduce to minimum steerage speed Rule 19(e).

Frequently asked questions

Does Rule 19 apply if I can see the other vessel?

No. Once vessels are in sight of one another, Rules 11 to 18 apply.

What turns does Rule 19 discourage?

A turn to port for a vessel forward of the beam (other than one being overtaken), and a turn toward a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.

Is Rule 19 the same Inland?

Yes, in substance.