COLREGs Scenarios Practice Test

In a crossing situation, if you are the stand-on vessel you should keep your course and speed and stay prepared to take action to avoid if the other vessel does not keep clear. This reflects the rule that the vessel with the right of way maintains its planned path, while the other vessel is responsible for maneuvering to avoid a collision. By holding your course and speed, you reduce unnecessary maneuvering and confusion, but you must be ready to make a timely, substantial maneuver if it becomes evident that collision is imminent. The other options push you into taking the evasive action yourself immediately, which is the role of the give-way vessel, not the stand-on vessel. Stopping engines or turning immediately without a confirmed need would create new risks and are not the correct course of action under normal crossing rules.