The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to keep clear and avoid a collision when crossing paths with another vessel.

Core responsibility

When crossing paths, the give-way vessel must:

  • Alter course, speed, or both in plenty of time so the situation never becomes close or confusing.
  • Make movements that are obvious (a clear turn or speed change, not tiny adjustments) so the stand‑on vessel can easily see what you’re doing.
  • Pass safely behind the stand‑on vessel, not ahead of it, whenever practicable.

In textbook boating-test terms, the correct answer is usually:

When crossing paths, the give-way vessel’s responsibility is to take early and substantial action to keep well away from the other vessel (avoid collision by changing course and/or speed).

Mini breakdown: how it looks on the water

  • If the other boat is on your starboard (right) side, you are the give-way vessel and must yield.
  • A common safe move is a clear turn to starboard that takes you behind the stand‑on vessel, combined with slowing if needed.
  • You should avoid cutting across the bow of the stand‑on vessel, since this creates a high collision risk.

Simple example story

You’re driving a small powerboat, and another boat appears on your right, on a crossing course. That boat is the stand‑on vessel and must hold its course and speed, while you, as the give‑way vessel, make a bold, early turn and/or slow down so you clearly pass behind them at a safe distance.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.