In a crossing where a vessel is on your starboard bow and you are the stand-on vessel, what should you do?

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The main idea here is that in a crossing with a vessel on your starboard bow, you are the stand-on vessel. Rule 15 requires the stand-on vessel to keep its course and speed and simply monitor the other vessel, which has the responsibility to take early and substantial action to avoid a collision. So, maintain your heading and speed and stay vigilant for any change from the other vessel.

The other options would involve taking action you don’t need to take as the stand-on vessel. Turning or signaling changes your course proactively, which isn’t required unless the risk of collision increases and the give-way vessel hasn’t corrected course. Stopping or reversing is an extreme maneuver that isn’t appropriate in this scenario unless there’s imminent danger that cannot be resolved by the other vessel’s actions.

Thus, the best course is to continue on your present course and speed and monitor the other vessel.