You are in charge of a stand-on vessel in a crossing situation. The other vessel is 1.5 miles to port. You believe that risk of collision exists. You should

• A. take avoiding action only after providing the give-way vessel time to take action, and determining that her action is not appropriate
• B. immediately take avoiding action
• C. maintain course and speed
• D. signal to pass on the port side

Answer: (A)

In a crossing situation, the stand-on vessel should keep a steady course and speed and monitor the other vessel’s actions, rather than rushing into a maneuver. Because the other vessel is on your port side and you sense a risk of collision, you first give her a reasonable opportunity to take action to avoid. If, after that time, her action does not reduce or eliminate the risk—meaning her course or speed is not appropriate to prevent a collision—then you take the necessary action to avoid it. The 1.5 miles of separation provides time to observe and assess before changing course or speed. Signaling or altering course immediately without giving the other vessel a chance to act isn’t the proper approach when you can evaluate her intended maneuver first.