What must a stand-on vessel do when in immediate danger of collision?

• A. Assist in taking whatever action necessary to avoid collision
• B. Maintain course and speed
• C. Sound five blasts
• D. Shut down engines

Answer: (A)

When there is immediate danger of collision, the stand-on vessel must actively help avoid it rather than hold its course. The correct approach is to assist in taking whatever action is necessary to prevent a collision, which may mean altering course, changing speed, or both, in a timely and predictable way. Maintaining current course and speed is only appropriate if there’s no risk of collision; in danger, waiting or relying on the other vessel isn’t sufficient. Sound signals or shutting down engines aren’t the immediate remedies for preventing a collision in this moment. The priority is proactive maneuvering to keep everyone safe.