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head-on Meeting "head to head" is defined in Rule 14 in general terms. It implies both sidelights are in view at night. The horizontal range of sidelights is specified in Annex I, Part 9a. They are purposefully screened to be seen at least 1° across the bow, but must not show more than 3° across the bow. Courts have ruled that vessels whose courses lie within 6° of opposites are considered on "nearly reciprocal" courses. Eight-degree encounters in the open ocean, on the other hand, have been considered crossing courses. Courts have also extended this interpretation significantly in narrow channels. See good discussion off head-on situation in Farwell's Rules of the Nautical Road. Note that the wording of Rule 14b implies it is the relative heading of the vessels that matters here, not their courses over ground, even when these latter directions might be significantly different from the headings due to current or leeway.

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