Stand-on vessel

Under Rule 17, the stand-on vessel keeps her course and speed, but the rule has graduated permissions and duties. She may take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action, and she must take such action when collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel’s action alone. A stand-on power-driven vessel taking that final action in a crossing situation should not alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side. The rule never relieves the give-way vessel of her obligation.