In a crossing situation, which boat is the stand-on boat?

In a crossing situation, which boat is the stand-on boat?

• A. The give-way vessel must maintain its course.
• B. The boat that maintains course and speed when encountering another boat.
• C. The stand-on vessel must maintain its course and speed.
• D. Neither vessel has to adjust until contact.

Answer: (C)

In a crossing situation the stand-on vessel is the one that has the right of way and should continue on its present course and speed. This predictability allows the give-way vessel to determine how to avoid a collision, usually by altering course or speed. The stand-on boat does not proactively change course unless the risk of collision requires it. Therefore, the best choice states that the stand-on vessel must maintain its course and speed. The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to avoid, not the stand-on. Waiting until contact is unsafe, and describing the give-way vessel as maintaining course would be incorrect.

In a crossing situation the stand-on vessel is the one that has the right of way and should continue on its present course and speed. This predictability allows the give-way vessel to determine how to avoid a collision, usually by altering course or speed. The stand-on boat does not proactively change course unless the risk of collision requires it.

Therefore, the best choice states that the stand-on vessel must maintain its course and speed. The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to avoid, not the stand-on. Waiting until contact is unsafe, and describing the give-way vessel as maintaining course would be incorrect.