In a crossing situation, which boat should take evasive action?

• A. The stand-on boat.
• B. The boat that has another on its starboard side must take evasive action.
• C. Both boats should maintain course and speed.
• D. The give-way boat should accelerate to create distance.

Answer: (B)

In crossing situations, the action is determined by which vessel has priority: the vessel that has another vessel on its starboard side must take evasive action. This means if you see another boat to your right, you are the give-way vessel and you should alter course or speed promptly to avoid a collision. The goal is early and substantial action to keep clear, not to hold your current course.

That’s why the correct choice identifies the boat with another on its starboard side as the one to take evasive action. The other vessel (the stand-on vessel) should maintain its course and speed unless the risk of collision increases and action becomes necessary. Merely accelerating to create distance isn’t the prescribed approach here; the emphasis is on yielding promptly to avoid crossing paths.