You are a PDV and there is a crossing with another PDV on your port bow. ROC exists. What action should you take?

• A. Pass astern of the other vessel
• B. Take early and substantial action and pass ahead at a safe distance
• C. Do nothing and maintain your course
• D. Stop engines and reverse to avoid collision

Answer: (B)

In a crossing situation, the vessel that has the other vessel on its port side must take early, decisive action to avoid a collision when there’s a risk of collision. With another PDV on your port bow and a risk of collision confirmed, you should not hold your course. Instead, you maneuver to pass ahead of the other vessel at a safe distance. This establishes clear separation and reduces the chance that your paths will intersect.

Passing astern would keep you behind the other vessel and could still be risky if the other vessel maintains speed or course. Doing nothing is unsafe when ROC exists, and stopping engines and reversing is an abrupt maneuver that can create unpredictable issues in a crossing. The important point is to act early and decisively to move your path to a safe position by passing ahead at a safe distance.