R of R Basics ------ Page 4 of 10
In a Head On situation, you may see the other vessels lights change back and forth from one color to another. That probably means the other vessel is not holding a steady course due to waves or poor helmsmanship.
When a vessel is on a reciprocal or nearly reciprocal course to your own ship, you should turn to starboard (right) so both vessels pass port to port or as you often hear on the radio, red to red.
If you talk on the radio and you both agree, it is okay to pass starboard to starboard (Green to green).
