At night, seeing a vessel's red sidelight on your port bow, you may

• A. alter course to starboard
• B. alter course to port
• C. maintain course and speed
• D. stop

Answer: (C)

In a night crossing, who must give way is based on the relative position of the other vessel. Red sidelight means the other vessel’s port side is facing you. If you see that red light on your port bow, the other vessel is on your port side (left ahead). In this situation you are the stand-on vessel; the other vessel would be the one to take action if needed.

Therefore you should maintain your course and speed. You only change course if the other vessel’s actions create a risk of collision, in which case you’d adjust to avoid, but right now the correct move is to keep going as you are. Stopping or turning would introduce unnecessary risk or reduce your ability to pass safely.