Which statement best describes the give-way vessel's obligation?

Which statement best describes the give-way vessel's obligation?

• A. To stop immediately
• B. To signal intentions only
• C. To maintain course
• D. To take early and substantial action to avoid collision

Answer: (D)

The obligation on the give-way vessel is to take early and substantial action to avoid collision. This means actively maneuvering to keep clear—such as changing course and/or reducing speed—well before a collision risk becomes acute. Signaling intentions alone isn’t enough, and simply maintaining course would not meet the obligation, since the give-way vessel must take decisive steps to avoid danger. The stand-on vessel, by contrast, maintains its course and speed unless it becomes clear that collision cannot be avoided and then may need to take action itself. In practice, the give-way vessel should begin maneuvering to pass well clear as soon as the risk of collision is apparent.

The obligation on the give-way vessel is to take early and substantial action to avoid collision. This means actively maneuvering to keep clear—such as changing course and/or reducing speed—well before a collision risk becomes acute. Signaling intentions alone isn’t enough, and simply maintaining course would not meet the obligation, since the give-way vessel must take decisive steps to avoid danger. The stand-on vessel, by contrast, maintains its course and speed unless it becomes clear that collision cannot be avoided and then may need to take action itself. In practice, the give-way vessel should begin maneuvering to pass well clear as soon as the risk of collision is apparent.