Which statement best describes the give-way and stand-on roles in a crossing?

Which statement best describes the give-way and stand-on roles in a crossing?

• A. Immediately Alter Course to Starboard
• B. Catch Three Short Blasts
• C. Maintain Speed and Course Until Give-Way Passes Well Clear
• D. The Give-Way Vessel Must Take Action to Avoid

Answer: (D)

In a crossing between two power-driven vessels, the stand-on vessel should hold its course and speed, while the give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to avoid a collision. The statement that the give-way vessel must take action to avoid best describes the rule because it assigns the maneuvering responsibility to the vessel that must yield, ensuring a safe passage through predictable behavior. The other options mix up the actions: turning immediately to starboard isn’t a universal requirement and can be inappropriate depending on angles and speeds; three short blasts is a signaling method, not the rule governing give-way/stand-on roles; and saying the stand-on vessel maintains speed and course until the give-way passes well clear misstates the stand-on duty and isn’t always accurate in practice.

In a crossing between two power-driven vessels, the stand-on vessel should hold its course and speed, while the give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to avoid a collision. The statement that the give-way vessel must take action to avoid best describes the rule because it assigns the maneuvering responsibility to the vessel that must yield, ensuring a safe passage through predictable behavior. The other options mix up the actions: turning immediately to starboard isn’t a universal requirement and can be inappropriate depending on angles and speeds; three short blasts is a signaling method, not the rule governing give-way/stand-on roles; and saying the stand-on vessel maintains speed and course until the give-way passes well clear misstates the stand-on duty and isn’t always accurate in practice.