🔍 Key Concepts

• Rule 15 – Crossing Situations (International Rules): Which vessel has the other on her starboard side, and therefore must keep out of the way? • Rule 17 – Action of the Stand-on Vessel: What is the primary duty of the stand-on vessel in a crossing situation on the high seas? • Rule 34 – Maneuvering and Warning Signals (International vs. Inland): Under the International Rules, does a one‑short‑blast signal act as an "agreement" that must be answered, or simply a statement of the action being taken?

💭 Think About

• From the illustration, decide which vessel is the give-way vessel and which is the stand-on vessel. Then match each choice to what the stand-on vessel is supposed to do by Rule 17. • Think about what one short blast means under the International Rules. Is vessel "A" required to reply with the same signal in open waters, or is maintaining course and speed more important? • Ask yourself: if vessel "A" were to change course or start "keeping clear" after hearing one short blast, would that interfere with the responsibilities already assigned by Rule 15?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which vessel has the other on its starboard side from the picture—that vessel must keep out of the way under Rule 15. • Confirm from Rule 17 whether the stand-on vessel is required to alter course or speed solely because the give‑way vessel sounds a maneuvering signal. • Check Rule 34 (International) to see if an answering one‑blast signal is required in open-sea crossing situations, or if that requirement applies under Inland Rules instead.