Vågrätt

Vågrätt is a term used in Nordic maritime law to denote the right of way or priority of vessels in navigable waters. The concept describes which vessel should yield or modify its course or speed to prevent collisions, especially in constricted waterways, near harbors, and along busy passages. Vågrätt functions as a practical expression of the broader rules for safe navigation and collision avoidance.

Legal framework and scope

The overarching rules governing vågrätt are found in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Nordic countries implement these international rules through national legislation, harbor regulations, and navigation manuals. Vågrätt, as used in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, reflects how COLREGs are interpreted and applied in local contexts, including river and coastal traffic rules, port approaches, and designated shipping lanes.

Practical application

In practice, vågrätt guides how vessels behave to maintain safety at sea and in and around harbors. This includes determining which vessel should yield in a given situation, how to adjust speed, and how to maintain a proper lookout. Compliance relies on standard navigational practices such as signaling, safe speed, and early course corrections, as well as adherence to any specific harbor or watercourse regulations that specify priority in particular segments.

Etymology and use

The term is most commonly used in Swedish and Norwegian maritime discourse and is less common in other languages. It is closely related to the general concept of right of way in navigation and is often explained in training, textbooks, and regulatory guidance for pilots, skippers, and harbor operations.

See also: navigation rules, COLREGs, harbor regulations, waterway rights.