In a Crossing Situation, Which Vessel Is Required to Maintain Its Course and Speed? Stand-on vessels should maintain their course and speed if the vessels are in a crossing situation.
When two ships are approaching, it’s important to keep in mind that they will collide when they come into contact. When this happens, there can be serious consequences. If neither ship alters its course and speeds, then the worst thing that will happen is that the collision damages both of the boats involved. However, if either boat changes its direction, this may cause more damage than just the collision itself.
In a crossing situation, the give-way vessel should alter its course and/or speed to avoid a collision.
A crossing situation occurs when two vessels pass each other. In this case, the giving way vessel should take action to avoid a collision.
The stand-on vessel should keep its course and speed. They should not alter their course. It is up to the giving way vessel to decide how they are going to alter its course.
The first action that a give-way vessel has to do is to pass the astern of the stand-on vessel. A give-way vessel is a boat that does not have to stop in order to let another ship go ahead. A give-way vessel can pass astern of the other boat.