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Rule 17: Action by stand-on vessel

  1. Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way the other shall keep her course and speed.
  2. The latter vessel may however take action to avoid collision by her manoeuvre alone, as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action in compliance with these Rules.

What this means:

Rule 17: Action by stand-on vessel – Our plain English guide to help you understand & remember this rule.

Rule 17 covers the obligations of the other vessel in the collision situation. Whilst the give-way vessel is expected to alter course and take necessary action to avoid a collision, the stand-on vessel has obligations, too. The primary one is that it ‘shall’ keep her course and speed. It would be unfair for the stand-on vessel to alter course and make the give-way vessel’s job harder.

Rule 16: Action by give-way vessel Rule 18: Responsibilities between vessels

Key Point:
The stand-on vessel is obliged to maintain course and speed, allowing the give-way vessel to take appropriate action to avoid a collision.