Navigation Rules
What is the stand-on vessel normally expected to do?
Answer
Maintain its course and speed
The stand-on vessel keeps its course and speed so the give-way vessel can predict its path. If the give-way vessel fails to act, the stand-on vessel must then do whatever is needed to avoid a collision.
Source: U.S. Coast Guard / Office of the Federal Register — 33 CFR Part 83, Inland Navigation Rules, § 83.17 (Rule 17), Action by stand-on vessel — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.17
Not the answer
- Anchor until the other vessel passes
- Speed up to clear the area as quickly as possible
- Always turn to port
Practice this
The boater safety certification exam is 50 questions and takes 40 correct — 80% — to pass. The app’s page carries a free ten-question test drawn from the same bank, marked as you go.
Take the free practice test