You must maintain your course and speed , unless it becomes clear that the other (give-way) vessel is not taking proper action to avoid a collision.

What “stand-on vessel” means

In the Navigation Rules (“Rules of the Road”):

  • The stand-on vessel is the one that has the “right of way” in a given situation.
  • Its primary duty is to hold course and speed so the other boat can predict your movement and safely maneuver around you.

This applies in common crossing, overtaking, and some sailing situations.

What you must do as the stand-on vessel

When you determine you are the stand-on vessel:

  1. Keep your course and speed
    • Do not make small, unpredictable changes.
    • Do not turn toward the give-way vessel or cross in front of it.
  1. Maintain a good lookout and monitor the other boat
    • Watch its lights at night (red = port, green = starboard) and its behavior.
 * Be ready to judge whether it is taking early and substantial action to keep clear.
  1. If the give-way vessel does not act, take action yourself
    • If it becomes apparent that the other vessel is not taking appropriate action, you are required to take any measures necessary to avoid a collision.
 * In that case, you should:
   * Avoid turning **toward** the give-way vessel.
   * Avoid crossing **in front** of it.
   * Preferably alter course to **starboard** or slow/stop so it can pass behind your stern.

Why this rule exists

The stand-on vessel’s job is to be a stable reference point : if you always hold course and speed, the give-way vessel can plan a safe pass. If you suddenly change course or speed without good reason, you remove that predictability and increase the risk of collision.

In short: As the stand-on vessel, your first duty is to maintain course and speed ; only when the other boat clearly fails to give way do you take action to avoid a collision, and then you still avoid turning toward it or crossing in front.

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