The term 'in extremis' refers to the moment when the stand-on vessel must take action.

The term 'in extremis' refers to the moment when the stand-on vessel must take action.

• A. The stand-on vessel must take action
• B. The give-way vessel must take action
• C. Both must take action
• D. Neither must take action

Answer: (A)

In extremis means acting at the last possible moment to avoid a collision when the other vessel has not taken adequate action. Under COLREGS, the give-way vessel must maneuver early and decisively to keep well clear. If that vessel fails to do so and the risk of collision becomes imminent, the stand-on vessel is obligated to take action to prevent the collision. That’s why this moment is described as when the stand-on vessel must act. If both must act or neither must act, those descriptions don’t fit how the rules allocate responsibility—the stand-on vessel steps in only when the other vessel hasn’t or cannot avoid danger.

In extremis means acting at the last possible moment to avoid a collision when the other vessel has not taken adequate action. Under COLREGS, the give-way vessel must maneuver early and decisively to keep well clear. If that vessel fails to do so and the risk of collision becomes imminent, the stand-on vessel is obligated to take action to prevent the collision. That’s why this moment is described as when the stand-on vessel must act. If both must act or neither must act, those descriptions don’t fit how the rules allocate responsibility—the stand-on vessel steps in only when the other vessel hasn’t or cannot avoid danger.