In a crossing where a sailing vessel lies on your port side and you are operating a power-driven vessel, what is required of you?

• A. You must pass on the stern
• B. Keep clear
• C. Stop and reverse
• D. Sound a warning and proceed carefully

Answer: (B)

In crossing situations, the power-driven vessel must take action to keep clear of a sailing vessel that is on its port side. Since the sailing vessel is on your left, you are the give-way vessel and must ensure a safe separation by taking early and substantial action to avoid the other vessel. This usually means reducing speed and altering course to pass clear of the sailing vessel, rather than continuing on unchanged or stopping abruptly.

Passing on the stern isn’t required by the rules in this scenario, stopping and reversing isn’t necessary unless a collision would occur, and sounding a warning alone doesn’t relieve the obligation to avoid. The main duty here is to keep well clear of the sailing vessel.