Again this applies to POWER DRIVEN VESSELS.

When two power driven vessels are crossing, the vessel that has the other to STARBOARD must keep out of the way to avoid the risk of collision.

This applies to all vessels. If you see the RED side light of a vessel at night well off the port bow what must you do?

You must maintain course and speed.

If you see a stand-on vessel and it is not paying attention to a potential collision, you MUST take the appropriate action to avoid the collision!

Here is another example where you must take action. You are in charge of a stand-on vessel in a crossing situation. The other vessel is 1.5 miles to port. You believe that there is a definite possibility of a collision. What must you do?

You must take avoiding action ONLY after providing the give-away vessel time to take action, and determining that her action is not appropriate.

At all times it is your responsibility to be situationally aware to take action when there is an opportunity of a collision occurring!

Hugh Simpson