BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are in charge of a power-driven vessel navigating at night. You sight the red sidelight of another vessel on your port bow. The other vessel's after masthead light is to the right of her forward masthead light. Which action should you take?
• Rule 15 – Crossing Situation: Which vessel is the stand-on vessel and which is the give-way vessel when two power-driven vessels are crossing? • What it means when you only see the red sidelight of the other vessel and where that puts you relative to her (are you on her port side or starboard side?). • How the relative position of the forward and after masthead lights tells you which way the other vessel is heading or turning.
• First decide: Is this a head-on, overtaking, or crossing situation based on seeing only the red sidelight? • Next, determine whether you are the stand-on or give-way vessel under Rule 15, given that the other vessel is on your port bow. • Then think: If you are the stand-on vessel, what is your primary duty under Rule 17, and when (if ever) should you sound the danger signal or make a large course alteration?
• Verify whether the other vessel lies on your port side or starboard side, and remember: the vessel that has the other on her starboard side is normally the give-way vessel. • Check what the shifted after masthead light (to the right of the forward masthead) indicates about the other vessel’s course, not your own. • Confirm whether there is actual doubt or immediate danger of collision before choosing an option involving the danger signal or drastic speed/course changes.
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