The vessel that must maintain its course and speed unless it becomes apparent that the give-way boat is not taking appropriate action; if you must take action, do not turn toward the give-way boat or cross in front of it.

• A. The vessel that must always turn away.
• B. The vessel that must maintain its course and speed unless necessary to take action.
• C. The vessel that must stop immediately.
• D. The vessel that must radio the other vessel.

Answer: (B)

Stand-on vessels hold their course and speed to keep a predictable situation for the other vessel, the give-way vessel, which must take early and substantial action to avoid collision. The stand-on vessel should not turn toward or cross in front of the give-way vessel; only if it becomes clear the give-way vessel isn’t taking appropriate action should the stand-on vessel maneuver, and even then the maneuver should be planned to avoid crossing in front of the other vessel. That duty—maintaining course and speed unless action by the other vessel is necessary, and then acting without routing toward or crossing in front of it—is exactly what the described vessel must do. Radios aren’t mandated by the collision avoidance rules, though radio communication can help in some situations.