What is the difference between stand-on and give-way vessels?

What is the difference between stand-on and give-way vessels?

• A. Stand-on should turn to port.
• B. Stand-on maintains course and speed; give-way takes early and substantial action to avoid collision.
• C. Stand-on must always reduce speed.
• D. Give-way should beep to signal.

Answer: (B)

In a potential collision situation, one vessel has the stand-on obligation and the other has the give-way obligation. The stand-on vessel should keep its course and speed, providing a predictable path for the other vessel. The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to avoid collision, which usually means altering course to pass well clear or adjusting speed. This division helps prevent two vessels from making conflicting moves and keeps risk of collision low in crossing or head-on scenarios. The stand-on vessel isn’t required to slow down or turn unless the danger persists and the give-way vessel hasn’t acted; if necessary, the stand-on may take action to ensure safety. Remember that sound signals or communications can help clarify intentions, but the fundamental idea is: stand-on maintains course and speed, give-way acts early and decisively to avoid collision.

In a potential collision situation, one vessel has the stand-on obligation and the other has the give-way obligation. The stand-on vessel should keep its course and speed, providing a predictable path for the other vessel. The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to avoid collision, which usually means altering course to pass well clear or adjusting speed. This division helps prevent two vessels from making conflicting moves and keeps risk of collision low in crossing or head-on scenarios. The stand-on vessel isn’t required to slow down or turn unless the danger persists and the give-way vessel hasn’t acted; if necessary, the stand-on may take action to ensure safety. Remember that sound signals or communications can help clarify intentions, but the fundamental idea is: stand-on maintains course and speed, give-way acts early and decisively to avoid collision.