If you are overtaking another vessel, who must take action to avoid collision?

• A. You must stay on your course
• B. You must shout
• C. You are the give-way vessel and must take action to avoid collision
• D. You must only slow down

Answer: (C)

When you are overtaking another vessel, you are the give-way vessel, and you must take early and substantial action to keep clear of the vessel being overtaken. This usually means changing course to pass well clear, or adjusting your speed as needed, until you are safely clear. The vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel and should maintain its course and speed unless there’s a danger of collision and it must take action to avoid it. So simply staying on your course isn’t enough, shouting isn’t a substitute for maneuvering, and slowing down alone may not provide the necessary clearance. The required action is an active maneuver by you to avoid collision.