What is required of a vessel that has the right of way in terms of Rules compliance?

A vessel that has the right of way is still required to comply with the Rules of the road, as outlined in the COLREGs. This means that even if a vessel has the statutory right of way, it must ensure that it is operating within the framework of the regulations to prevent collisions. Compliance is critical because the right of way does not grant a vessel the liberty to navigate recklessly or without consideration for the safety of others. Even when a vessel has the right of way, it must act prudently and take necessary measures to avoid collisions, which aligns with the overarching principle of maritime safety embodied in the COLREGs.

It is important to understand that the right of way does not absolve a vessel from taking action to avoid potential collisions. Ignoring the rules in a situation where the right of way is established can lead to dangerous situations at sea. Thus, vessels must maintain their duty to navigate safely, which includes following all applicable rules, even when they are not the give way vessel.