Rules of the Road · Steering & Sailing Rules
Under Rule 17(b), when a stand-on vessel finds herself so close to the give-way vessel that collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone, the stand-on vessel shall:
- AMaintain course and speed to avoid confusing the give-way vessel
- BSound five short blasts and reduce speed
- CTake such action as will best aid to avoid collision✓ Correct
- DAlter course to starboard regardless of the position of the give-way vessel
Explanation
Rule 17(b) converts the stand-on vessel's permission into a duty once collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone. At that point the stand-on vessel must take whatever action best avoids collision — this is the in-extremis provision. The specific action depends on circumstances; starboard is not always the answer.
Authority: 72 COLREGS Rule 17(b)
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