What action should a stand-on vessel take if the other vessel on her port side is turning to starboard?

What action should a stand-on vessel take if the other vessel on her port side is turning to starboard?

• A. Continue on your current course and speed if safe
• B. Immediately turn to starboard
• C. Stop engines and drift
• D. Sound three blasts and reverse engines

Answer: (A)

In a crossing situation, the stand-on vessel keeps her course and speed unless there is a risk of collision. When the other vessel is on her port side and begins turning to starboard, that maneuver typically moves the other vessel away from you rather than into your path. So the appropriate action is to continue on your current course and speed, while monitoring the situation and being ready to take action only if the risk of collision materializes. Other responses would involve taking evasive action or signaling danger, which isn’t required unless you judge that a collision risk exists or develops.

In a crossing situation, the stand-on vessel keeps her course and speed unless there is a risk of collision. When the other vessel is on her port side and begins turning to starboard, that maneuver typically moves the other vessel away from you rather than into your path. So the appropriate action is to continue on your current course and speed, while monitoring the situation and being ready to take action only if the risk of collision materializes.

Other responses would involve taking evasive action or signaling danger, which isn’t required unless you judge that a collision risk exists or develops.