In a crossing situation, the give-way and stand-on roles are best described as?

• A. The stand-on vessel must take early action to avoid collision.
• B. The stand-on vessel maintains course and speed; the give-way vessel may take action only after a collision occurs.
• C. The give-way vessel must take early action to avoid collision; the stand-on vessel maintains course unless risk develops.
• D. Both vessels must stop to reassess.

Answer: (C)

In a crossing situation, the vessel that has the other vessel on its starboard side must give way, taking early and substantial action to avoid a collision. The other vessel provides the stand-on role and should maintain its course and speed to allow the give-way vessel space to maneuver. Only if the give-way vessel fails to take timely action, or the risk of collision cannot be avoided, should the stand-on vessel take action to prevent a collision. This is why the best description is that the give-way vessel must take early action to avoid collision, while the stand-on vessel maintains course unless risk develops.