Stand-On and Give-Way Obligations
Rule 16 (Give-way vessel): Must take early and substantial action to keep well clear.
Rule 17 (Stand-on vessel): Must maintain course and speed. However, if the give-way vessel is not taking action, the stand-on vessel may (and eventually must) take action to avoid collision. The stand-on vessel should not alter course to port for a vessel on her port side.
Key Points
- Give-way vessel: act early and substantially
- Stand-on vessel: maintain course and speed initially
- Stand-on vessel MUST act if give-way vessel doesn't
- Stand-on: avoid altering to port for vessel on port side