Third Mate · ONC02 · Deck · Rules of the Road · CURRENT-Q100-Q0011

Stand-On Vessel: Three Decision Phases

Apply Rule 17 from the initial keep-course-and-speed duty through permitted and mandatory avoiding action.

USCGTest teaching diagram showing the stand-on vessel’s three Rule 17 decision phases — USCGTest Academy teaching diagram · D60:03_standon-three-phases

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which is TRUE of a power-driven stand-on vessel?

A. required to give-way in a crossing situation
B. required to maintain course and speed in a crossing situation but may take action to avoid collision
C. required to sound the first passing signal in a meeting situation
D. free to maneuver in any crossing or meeting situation as it has the right of way

Correct answer: B. required to maintain course and speed in a crossing situation but may take action to avoid collision

Why this answer is correct

The stand-on vessel maintains course and speed, may act when the give-way vessel is not acting, and must act when collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone.

Governing principle

Rule 17 creates a sequence of normal duty, permitted intervention and mandatory intervention.

Reasoning

Initially maintain course and speed so intentions remain predictable.
When give-way action is plainly inadequate, the stand-on vessel may maneuver.
When collision cannot be avoided by give-way action alone, the stand-on vessel must take the best available action.

Why the other choices do not fit

A. A stand-on vessel is not the vessel initially required to give way in the crossing situation.

C. The first passing signal is not a universal defining duty of a stand-on vessel.

D. Stand-on status never permits arbitrary maneuvering or removes the duty to avoid collision.

Related lesson

Meeting, Crossing & Stand-On/Give-Way — Head-On, Crossing, Sailing and Responsibility Hierarchy

Flashcard preview

What is the stand-on vessel’s initial duty?

The stand-on vessel initially keeps course and speed. That stable behavior helps the give-way vessel predict the encounter and maneuver safely.

Sources

USCG Navigation Center · Amalgamated Navigation Rules · Rule 17 — Action by Stand-on Vessel
USCG National Maritime Center · Q100 Rules of the Road: International and Inland · Question 11 and official answer key

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