When is the stand-on vessel FIRST allowed to take action to avoid collision?

When is the stand-on vessel FIRST allowed to take action to avoid collision?

• A. Immediately upon any sign of risk
• B. Only after a whistle signal
• C. When the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action
• D. Never

Answer: (C)

The stand-on vessel has to hold its course and speed unless it becomes clear that the other vessel (the give-way vessel) is not taking appropriate action to avoid a collision. Only when it’s evident that the other vessel isn’t acting appropriately does the stand-on vessel first become allowed to take action to avoid. This is why the correct idea is acting when the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. The stand-on vessel isn’t required to maneuver at the slightest sign of risk or wait for a whistle signal; it isn’t never allowed to act. If the other vessel fails to respond in time or inadequately, the stand-on may execute a safe maneuver to prevent collision.

The stand-on vessel has to hold its course and speed unless it becomes clear that the other vessel (the give-way vessel) is not taking appropriate action to avoid a collision. Only when it’s evident that the other vessel isn’t acting appropriately does the stand-on vessel first become allowed to take action to avoid.

This is why the correct idea is acting when the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. The stand-on vessel isn’t required to maneuver at the slightest sign of risk or wait for a whistle signal; it isn’t never allowed to act. If the other vessel fails to respond in time or inadequately, the stand-on may execute a safe maneuver to prevent collision.