Well, the international regulations that govern maritime traffic do think in terms like right of way. They define for various scenarios of two ships approachin

Well, the international regulations that govern maritime traffic do think in terms like right of way. They define for various scenarios of two ships approaching the other which one is the "stand on" vessel, that must maintain course and speed, and which one is the "give way" vessel, which must maneuver around the other. Of course, the rules do also say that both ships are responsible for avoiding collisions with the other, and that both are free to maneuver to avoid collision if they are put in extremis by failure to follow the navigation rules.