In a crossing situation, which vessel is responsible for taking early action to avoid collision if necessary?

In a crossing situation, which vessel is responsible for taking early action to avoid collision if necessary?

• A. The stand-on vessel
• B. The give-way vessel
• C. Both vessels equally
• D. Neither vessel

Answer: (B)

In a crossing situation the obligation to take early action to avoid a collision lies with the vessel that has the other vessel on its starboard side. That vessel must give way and begin to keep well clear. The stand-on vessel should maintain its course and speed, trusting the other to take appropriate action. Only if the give-way vessel fails to act or if there’s no clear chance of avoidance should the stand-on vessel take evasive action itself. So the correct choice identifies the vessel required to take early action to avoid collision—the give-way vessel.

In a crossing situation the obligation to take early action to avoid a collision lies with the vessel that has the other vessel on its starboard side. That vessel must give way and begin to keep well clear. The stand-on vessel should maintain its course and speed, trusting the other to take appropriate action. Only if the give-way vessel fails to act or if there’s no clear chance of avoidance should the stand-on vessel take evasive action itself. So the correct choice identifies the vessel required to take early action to avoid collision—the give-way vessel.