In some crossing scenarios, how does collision avoidance differ when one vessel is sailing versus power-driven?

• A. There is no difference; all vessels must always give way.
• B. The sailing vessel may have priority in certain contexts; the give-way/stand-on obligations still apply.
• C. The sailing vessel always yields to power-driven vessels.
• D. Power-driven vessels always have priority over sailing vessels.

Answer: (B)

In crossing situations, collision avoidance is guided by stand-on and give-way duties, but vessel type can influence who might have priority in a given context. A sailing vessel may have priority in certain circumstances because its ability to maneuver is limited by wind and sails, so the other vessel may be required to take early action to avoid danger rather than forcing the sailing vessel to alter course. The important point remains that both vessels have an obligation to avoid collision: the stand-on vessel should maintain course and speed unless risk appears, and the give-way vessel must take early, substantial action if continuing on the current path would create a collision risk. In practice, the sailing vessel may be allowed to keep its course if changing course would be more hazardous or unduly disruptive given wind and sailing angles, but if there is any real risk of collision, the other vessel must act. So, the sailing vessel may have priority in some contexts, while the basic give-way/stand-on duties still apply to both.