According to Rule 17c, what should a power-driven vessel not do to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel?

Under Rule 17c, which pertains to actions to avoid collision when vessels are meeting, it is stated that a power-driven vessel should not alter course to port when there is another vessel on her own port side. The reasoning behind this rule is that altering course to port when facing another vessel on the port side could potentially lead to a collision. This is particularly the case because both vessels would then be on a course that could overlap or cross, increasing the risk of an accident.

In maritime navigation, maintaining safe distances and predictable navigation patterns is crucial for collision avoidance. By not making this maneuver, vessels ensure that they maintain their intended course and prevent confusion or miscalculations that could lead to a dangerous situation.

Other options, such as altering course to starboard or adjusting speed, are generally seen as safer maneuvers under specific circumstances. Speeding up rapidly or reversing direction may sometimes not be advisable, depending on the situation and can also lead to a lack of control, but they do not directly violate a specific rule like altering course to port does.