COLREGs Scenarios Practice Test

The stand-on vessel may take action to avoid collision if necessary. In a crossing situation, you are expected to keep your course and speed only as long as there is no risk of collision; if the other vessel does not alter course and collision becomes possible, you must take early and substantial action to keep clear. That means maneuvering to avoid the other vessel—altering course, adjusting speed, or both—so you don’t collide.

Maintaining course and speed would be inappropriate if there is a threat of collision, since you are required to ensure safe passage. A single short blast is a signaling action and does not by itself guarantee avoidance in a crossing scenario. Speeding up to overtake does not address the risk posed by the other vessel’s unchanged bearing and could create a new danger.