In a crossing situation, which vessel is obligated to keep out of the way?

In a crossing situation, the vessel that is on the starboard side has the obligation to keep out of the way of the other vessel. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), when two power-driven vessels are crossing each other, the one that has the other on its starboard side must give way.

This rule is based on the idea of maintaining safety and preventing collisions, as it establishes a clear protocol for which vessel must take action in these situations. The vessel on the starboard side typically has the right of way, hence the responsibility falls upon the vessel on the port side to yield.

Factors such as speed or size of the vessels do not determine which one must give way in a crossing scenario; instead, it is strictly based on their relative positions. This adherence to navigational rules is critical for ensuring that vessels can navigate safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of accidents at sea.