Who has the right of way in international waters?
A commonly held misconception concerning the rules of marine navigation is that by following specific rules, a vessel can gain certain rights of way over other vessels. No vessel ever has absolute "right of way" over other vessels. Rather, there can be a "give way" (burdened) vessel and a "stand on" (privileged) vessel, or there may be two give way vessels with no stand on vessel. A stand on vessel does not have an absolute right of way over any give way vessel, for if there is a risk of collision, a stand on vessel may still be obliged (under Rule 2 and Rule 17) to give way so as to avoid it, if doing so will be effective and is practicable. Two power-driven vessels approaching each other head-to-head, are "both" deemed to be "give way" and both are required to alter course so as to avoid colliding with the other. Neither vessel has "right of way".
Why is right of way a misnomer in international waters?
No vessel ever has absolute "right of way" over other vessels No vessel ever has absolute "right of way" No right-of-way
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
Vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to manoeuvre
In general which type of commanded vessel typically is stand-on, whose way is privileged, in full sight in international waters?
a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre restricted
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International%20Regulations%20for%20Preventing%20Collisions%20at%20Sea
A commonly held misconception concerning the rules of marine navigation is that by following specific rules, a vessel can gain certain rights of way over other vessels. No vessel ever has absolute "right of way" over other vessels. Rather, there can be a "give way" (burdened) vessel and a "stand on" (privileged) vessel, which is a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, or there may be two give way vessels with no stand on vessel. A stand on vessel does not have an absolute right of way over any give way vessel, for if there is a risk of collision, a stand on vessel may still be obliged (under Rule 2 and Rule 17) to give way so as to avoid it, if doing so will be effective and is practicable.