If a vessel possesses the other on its starboard side in a crossing situation, what should it do?

If a vessel possesses the other on its starboard side in a crossing situation, what should it do?

• A. Keep its course and speed
• B. Alter course to the right
• C. Keep out of the way of the other vessel
• D. Signal the other vessel with a horn

Answer: (C)

In a crossing situation where one vessel has another on its starboard side, the vessel with the other on its starboard side is the stand-on vessel, meaning it is expected to maintain its course and speed. However, the other vessel, which is on the starboard side, is considered the give-way vessel. It must take action to avoid a collision. Therefore, the appropriate action for the vessel that possesses the other on its starboard side is to keep out of the way of the other vessel. This approach aligns with the Collision Regulations, which state that a give-way vessel must maneuver to avoid the stand-on vessel, ensuring safe navigation and minimizing the risk of collision. In this context, maintaining course and speed, altering course to the right, or signaling with a horn do not address the obligation of the give-way vessel to yield and take action to avoid the stand-on vessel. The key principle is that the vessel in the give-way role must prioritize the safe navigation of the stand-on vessel by giving way.

In a crossing situation where one vessel has another on its starboard side, the vessel with the other on its starboard side is the stand-on vessel, meaning it is expected to maintain its course and speed. However, the other vessel, which is on the starboard side, is considered the give-way vessel. It must take action to avoid a collision.

Therefore, the appropriate action for the vessel that possesses the other on its starboard side is to keep out of the way of the other vessel. This approach aligns with the Collision Regulations, which state that a give-way vessel must maneuver to avoid the stand-on vessel, ensuring safe navigation and minimizing the risk of collision.

In this context, maintaining course and speed, altering course to the right, or signaling with a horn do not address the obligation of the give-way vessel to yield and take action to avoid the stand-on vessel. The key principle is that the vessel in the give-way role must prioritize the safe navigation of the stand-on vessel by giving way.