What is the correct action for a give way vessel?

The correct action for a give way vessel is to alter its speed or course. This principle is rooted in navigational rules that prioritize safety and collision avoidance on the water. When a vessel is designated as the give way vessel, it has the responsibility to take action to avoid a collision with another vessel that has the right of way.

By altering its speed or course, the give way vessel can create a safe passage for the stand-on vessel, which holds the priority in navigation. This maneuverability allows for greater flexibility in traffic situations, enabling the give way vessel to respond to changing circumstances, such as the positioning and speed of the other vessel, as well as environmental factors like wind and current.

The other options do not promote safety in these scenarios. Remaining stationary could pose a risk if other vessels are incoming; maintaining a constant course could lead to a collision if the other vessel is on a course that would intersect, and simply changing heading to the right doesn’t account for the specific situation, as the direction change may not adequately prevent a collision. Thus, altering speed or course is the safest and most effective response for a give way vessel.