United States Coast Guard Captains License Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

A stand-on vessel, according to navigational rules, has a responsibility to maintain its course and speed when encountering a give-way vessel. However, the stand-on vessel is not completely restricted from taking action. The key point is that it can change course and speed when it becomes apparent that action by the give-way vessel is insufficient to prevent a collision.

This situation emphasizes the need for good seamanship and situational awareness. While the stand-on vessel generally maintains its path to provide predictability to the give-way vessel, it must also monitor the situation closely. If it observes that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action to avoid a collision, changing course or speed becomes a critical decision to ensure safe navigation and avoid an incident.

Other options suggest conditions that either impose unnecessary limitations on the stand-on vessel or do not align with the fundamental rules governing right-of-way at sea. Thus, understanding when a stand-on vessel can safely alter its course is an essential aspect of maritime navigation and safety.