What type of vessel is required to take early and substantial action to avoid a collision?

The give-way vessel is responsible for taking early and substantial action to avoid a collision. This designation is based on the navigational rules that dictate which vessel must yield to another in various situations. The give-way vessel is expected to alter its course or speed to ensure that a collision does not occur. This responsibility is crucial in maintaining safety on the water, particularly in situations where two vessels are on a collision course.

For example, if a powerboat and a sailing vessel are approaching each other, navigating the situation depends heavily on the roles defined by the rules of the road. The give-way vessel must acknowledge its duty to change its path or speed to prevent an accident. This proactive approach enhances safety for all users of the waterways.

In contrast, the stand-on vessel, powerboat, and sailing vessel can have different responsibilities depending on their respective situations. The stand-on vessel is typically the one that maintains its course and speed when in a meeting situation, while both powerboats and sailing vessels can find themselves in either role depending on specific circumstances, such as the direction of approach and prevailing guidelines.