In crossing, if the other vessel is on your starboard side, and risk of collision exists, what must you do?

In crossing, if the other vessel is on your starboard side, and risk of collision exists, what must you do?

• A. Keep out of the way.
• B. Maintain course.
• C. Sound a warning only.
• D. Stop engines.

Answer: (A)

In a crossing situation, the vessel on the other vessel’s starboard side has the right of way. Since the other vessel is on your starboard, you are the give-way vessel and must take early and substantial action to keep well clear. That means you should adjust your course or speed to avoid the risk of collision—i.e., you must keep out of the way. Maintaining course would not reduce the danger, and while a warning can be used, it does not substitute for the required maneuver. Stopping engines is not typically the appropriate action unless it’s necessary to avoid collision.

In a crossing situation, the vessel on the other vessel’s starboard side has the right of way. Since the other vessel is on your starboard, you are the give-way vessel and must take early and substantial action to keep well clear. That means you should adjust your course or speed to avoid the risk of collision—i.e., you must keep out of the way. Maintaining course would not reduce the danger, and while a warning can be used, it does not substitute for the required maneuver. Stopping engines is not typically the appropriate action unless it’s necessary to avoid collision.