What action should a stand-on vessel take if a collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone?

When a stand-on vessel finds itself in a situation where a collision cannot be avoided solely by the give-way vessel's actions, it is required to take action to avoid the collision. This is in accordance with the COLREGs, which emphasize that while the stand-on vessel should typically maintain its course and speed, exceptions arise in circumstances where it becomes apparent that the other vessel is not taking appropriate measures to avert a collision.

In such situations, the stand-on vessel has a responsibility to navigate safely and avoid danger. Taking evasive action could involve altering course or speed, provided such maneuvers do not put the stand-on vessel at further risk. The key principle here is that the safety of all vessels involved takes precedence, and the stand-on vessel must adapt to avoid an accident when it becomes clear that the give-way vessel is not effectively managing the situation.

Maintaining course and speed may be appropriate in many circumstances for a stand-on vessel, but only as long as it appears safe to do so. Increased speed, signaling for assistance, or other isolated actions do not inherently comply with the requirement to actively prevent a collision when it becomes necessary. Thus, taking decisive actions to avoid a potential collision is critical to complying with maritime safety regulations and ensuring the safety