What should the stand-on vessel do when one vessel is required to give way?

The stand-on vessel should keep its course and speed because it is the vessel with the right of way in a situation where another vessel is required to give way. According to the COLREGs, the stand-on vessel has the responsibility to maintain its status, which includes continuing on its current path without taking evasive action unless it becomes clear that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate measures to avoid a collision.

Maintaining course and speed allows the stand-on vessel to help ensure predictability in navigation and reduce the potential for confusion or additional risk. This decision is vital for safety, as drastic maneuvers could lead to misunderstandings, making it harder for the other vessel to execute its give-way obligation effectively. The stand-on vessel should only take evasive action if it is evident that the give-way vessel is not acting as required and a collision is imminent.