What is the COLREGs response in a crossing situation where two vessels are on a potential collision course?

• A. The stand-on vessel should maintain course and speed if safe to do so.
• B. The give-way vessel should take early and substantial action to avoid.
• C. Both vessels should stop and wait for instructions.
• D. The required action should alter course to starboard, slow down, or stop; communicate intentions to avoid collision.

Answer: (D)

In crossing situations, one vessel must give way and take early, substantial action to avoid collision, while the other is the stand-on vessel and should maintain its course and speed unless its risk of collision increases. The best answer captures the obligation to take decisive action to avoid and to communicate those intentions clearly. This means altering course, reducing speed, or even stopping as needed to ensure a safe passage, and then signaling your intended maneuver so the other vessel understands your plan and can respond appropriately. The exact maneuver direction depends on the specific geometry of the encounter, but the core idea is proactive avoidance plus clear communication to prevent ambiguity and collision.