What is the best practice for approaching a vessel that has the right of way?

• A. Slow down and maintain a safe distance; yield to the vessel with the right of way.
• B. Speed up to pass on the starboard side.
• C. Stop directly in the path and wait for it to yield.
• D. Circulate around it in a wide circle.

Answer: (A)

When another vessel has the right of way, your priority is to avoid a collision by taking early, clear action to give way. The best approach is to slow down, maintain a safe distance, and yield to the vessel with the right of way. Reducing speed early keeps your course predictable and gives the other operator room to maneuver, which helps both boats stay safe. The other options create unnecessary risk: speeding up to squeeze by can force a crossing conflict; stopping directly in the path blocks traffic and invites a collision; and circling around in a wide arc isn’t a practical or safe way to navigate around the other vessel.