If a power-driven vessel sights a sailing vessel on its port bow, which is the stand-on vessel?

• A. The power-driven vessel
• B. The sailing vessel
• C. Both must maintain course
• D. The sailboat

Answer: (D)

In a crossing situation between a power-driven vessel and a sailing vessel, one vessel keeps its course (stand-on) while the other must take action to avoid (give-way). When the power-driven vessel sights a sailing vessel on its port bow, the sailing vessel is the stand-on vessel. The power-driven vessel is the give-way vessel and should take early and substantial action to avert a collision. The sailing vessel should continue on its current course and speed unless it becomes clear that a collision cannot be avoided by the other vessel alone. If the relative positions change so the other vessel is on the sailing vessel’s starboard side, the roles would be different.