What is the duty of the stand-on vessel in a crossing in narrow channel?

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In a crossing situation, the vessel that has the stand-on obligation should keep its present course and speed. This predictability helps the other vessel—the give-way vessel—understand what to do to avoid a collision. In a narrow channel, this becomes even more important because there’s less room to maneuver and sudden changes can create confusion or block the passage.

Keeping to course and speed also means the stand-on vessel isn’t causing unnecessary interference with the other vessel’s path. The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to keep well clear. Only if it becomes clear that the other vessel isn’t taking appropriate action should the stand-on vessel consider maneuvering to avoid a collision, but the starting duty is to maintain course and speed and not impede the other vessel.

The other options don’t fit because altering course immediately, stopping and reversing, or signaling with five blasts doesn’t reflect the stand-on vessel’s role in a crossing—the priority is to hold course and speed and let the other vessel maneuver to avoid a collision.