In a crossing situation involving a stand-on vessel, which action should the give-way vessel take?

In a crossing situation involving a stand-on vessel, which action should the give-way vessel take?

• A. The give-way vessel should take early and substantial action to avoid a collision.
• B. The stand-on vessel should maintain course and speed.
• C. The stand-on vessel should turn to starboard immediately.
• D. The give-way vessel should slow down and stop.

Answer: (A)

In a crossing situation, the vessel that does not have the right of way must take action early and decisively to avoid a collision. This means adjusting speed and/or changing course promptly so the risk of a collision is minimized and the stand-on vessel can continue on its intended path with confidence. The stand-on vessel should maintain its course and speed, since it has the right of way and is expected to act only if necessary to avoid danger. Turning immediately or stopping are not the required default actions for the stand-on; those decisions belong to the give-way vessel when they are necessary to prevent a collision.

In a crossing situation, the vessel that does not have the right of way must take action early and decisively to avoid a collision. This means adjusting speed and/or changing course promptly so the risk of a collision is minimized and the stand-on vessel can continue on its intended path with confidence. The stand-on vessel should maintain its course and speed, since it has the right of way and is expected to act only if necessary to avoid danger. Turning immediately or stopping are not the required default actions for the stand-on; those decisions belong to the give-way vessel when they are necessary to prevent a collision.