In a crossing situation, what should the stand-on vessel do?

• A. Turn to port.
• B. Maintain course and speed.
• C. Speed up to pass.
• D. Stop engines immediately.

Answer: (B)

In a crossing situation, the stand-on vessel keeps its course and speed. This preserves a predictable path, making it clear to the other vessel what you intend to do and giving them the opportunity to maneuver to avoid a collision. The stand-on vessel should not suddenly change course, slow down or speed up to pass, or stop engines, because such actions can create confusion or a new risk of collision.

Turning to port would alter your path and could put you into the other vessel’s danger zone. Speeding up to overtake doesn’t remove the risk and can complicate the situation. Stopping engines removes your control and generally isn’t the correct response unless collision is imminent and other actions aren’t possible. If the other vessel fails to take appropriate action, you may need to take action yourself to avoid a collision, but the default position is to maintain course and speed.