🔍 Key Concepts

• Rule 17 – Action by Stand-on Vessel in the Navigation Rules (COLREGS/Inland) • Difference between responsibilities of the stand-on vessel and the give-way vessel in a crossing situation • What "risk of collision" means and when the stand-on vessel is allowed (or required) to maneuver

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: In a normal crossing situation with risk of collision, what is the FIRST responsibility of the stand-on vessel once it has determined there is a risk? • Consider: Under Rule 17, at what point may the stand-on vessel take action to avoid collision, and at what point must it take action? How does that timing compare with the options given? • Think about which choice matches the idea that the stand-on vessel should generally keep course and speed, but not wait so long that collision becomes unavoidable.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify that the option you choose allows the give-way vessel a chance to comply with her obligation first. • Check whether the option avoids waiting until the point of extremis (i.e., until it’s nearly too late to avoid collision). • Make sure the chosen action is consistent with Rule 17(b): stand-on vessel may take action when it becomes apparent the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action, and must act in extremis if necessary.