The stand-on vessel in COLREGs: understanding who keeps course and why right of way matters

Outline at a glance

• Open with a simple scene to ground the idea of stand-on vs give-way.

• Define stand-on vessel and the right-of-way concept in plain language.

• Explain how COLREGs shape who stays their course in common encounters (crossing, head-on, overtaking).

• Tie in the given question and walk through why the vessel with the right of way is the stand-on vessel.

• Add a few real-life snippets and tips to remember.

• End with a concise takeaway and a nudge to keep the concepts fresh.

Stand-on or keep on, that’s the question

Picture two boats on the same busy waterway, each with a different job to do. One should hold steady, the other should adjust course to avoid a collision. That “hold steady” boat is what mariners call the stand-on vessel. The other boat, the one that must take action to prevent a crash, is the give-way vessel. It’s a simple idea, but it’s the backbone of safe navigation.

What does stand-on mean in plain English?

The stand-on vessel is the one that has the right of way in a crossing or meeting situation. This doesn’t mean it’s always the fastest, strongest, or loudest boat in the harbor. It means: in this particular encounter, this vessel keeps its course and speed. The stand-on vessel trusts that the other vessel will do the right thing, and the other vessel is the one that should adjust to prevent a collision.

Think of it like two cars approaching an intersection at the same time. If one car has the right of way, the other car is the one to yield. On the water, the rules get a bit more technical because wind, current, visibility, and vessel type all come into play. That’s where COLREGs—the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea—step in. They spell out who should change course, who should slow down, and who should keep going when everything looks like a potential head-on tumble of waves and risk.

A quick tour through the typical encounter types

• Crossing situations: This is where the ships’ paths form an “X.” The vessel that has another boat on its starboard side (the right-hand side) generally must give way. The stand-on vessel is the one that’s not being approached on the right. In many crossings, the stand-on vessel keeps going, and the give-way vessel adjusts.

• Overtaking: If one vessel is overtaking another (coming up from behind), the overtaking boat must keep clear of the vessel it’s passing. Here, neither is automatically the stand-on vessel; the overtaking boat must maneuver to avoid. It’s a different flavor of the same safety principle.

• Head-on or nearest approach: In a face-to-face scenario, both vessels should alter course to pass safely, but the exact action depends on speed, maneuverability, and visibility. The key idea remains: actions are taken to prevent collision, with clear responsibility assigned.

Now, let’s anchor this to the multiple-choice question

Question: Which vessel is typically designated as the stand-on vessel during an encounter?

A. Vessel that is overtaking

B. Vessel with the right of way

C. Vessel that has been fishing

D. Any vessel not engaged in fishing

The correct answer is B: Vessel with the right of way. Here’s why that makes sense in real life navigation.

• The stand-on concept isn’t about “who looks or sounds bigger.” It’s about who has the right of way in that moment. If you’re the vessel with the right of way, you keep your heading and speed.

• The other vessel—the one without the right of way—has the obligation to take early and substantial action to avoid. In practice, that often means changing course, reducing speed, or both.

• The rules don’t hinge on fishing status or “who is overtaking.” An overtaking vessel must pass clear of the other, and a fishing vessel may encounter special considerations, but the stand-on designation isn’t about fishing per se. It’s about the right of way in that encounter.

A little nuance that helps memories stick

• The phrase “right of way” isn’t about who’s bigger or louder on the water. It’s a rule-based priority. When two boats meet, one is designated as stand-on, and the other takes action to avoid.

• The practical behavior is simple: stand-on holds course and speed; give-way acts to prevent collision. If the stand-on vessel unexpectedly changes course, it can complicate things, which is why the other vessel needs to be prepared to adjust early.

• Communication matters. A radio call, a whistle signal, or even a dayshape can reduce uncertainty. Clarity helps the stand-on vessel remain calm and the give-way vessel know exactly what’s expected.

A few real-world snapshots to ground the idea

• Picture a small sailboat on the starboard side of a motorboat. The motorboat may have the stand-on status if the sailboat isn’t on the motorboat’s starboard side. The motorboat keeps its course unless it needs to maneuver to avoid, depending on speed and visibility.

• Imagine two ferries crossing paths near a busy harbor. The rules apply the same way, but the bigger ships might have more limited maneuverability. That’s why planning and early action are vital.

• Think about a fishing vessel treading carefully in shallow waters. While fishing gear and operations introduce unique considerations, the core concept of stand-on vs give-way still lives in the same COLREGs framework. The key is to know which situation you’re in and respond accordingly.

Why this matters beyond the test question

• Navigation is a team sport on the water. Even a good navigator can be surprised by wind shifts or currents. Knowing who’s the stand-on vessel helps you predict what others will do, reducing last-second surprises.

• Safe navigation grows from habit. When you approach a crossing, you can quickly assess who’s on the stand-on side and whether it’s clear to maintain course or whether easing off is wiser. It’s a small decision, but it can prevent a collision at the moment you’re most focused on speed and direction.

• This concept threads through many other rules, like overtaking (Rule 13) and head-on situations (Rule 14). Mastery isn’t about memorizing a single line of text; it’s about understanding how the pieces fit together to keep everyone safe.

A few practical tips you can carry on deck

• Always know your relative position. If another vessel appears on your starboard side, you may be the stand-on vessel; if you’re approaching from the other vessel’s starboard, you’re likely the give-way vessel.

• Keep a mental quick-check: “Who has the other on the starboard side?” If yes, you give way; if not, you stand on and maintain your path.

• Communicate early. Short, clear signals—whether whistling, lights, or radio—can make a world of difference when visibility is limited.

• Don’t assume. If you’re unsure about another vessel’s intentions, start with a conservative move to avoid a near-miss. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

• Practice scenarios in calm waters. Run through a few mental simulations of crossing and overtaking while you’re anchored or in a safe harbor. It builds muscle memory for real situations.

A quick mental model to keep handy

• Think of COLREGs as a traffic system on water. The stand-on vessel is “the car with the right of way.” The give-way vessel is “the car that yields.” In a crossing, the stand-on vessel keeps going; in overtaking, the overtaken vessel isn’t automatically the stand-on vessel—it’s all about who’s in the path.

• The most important takeaway: the stand-on vessel doesn’t have to guess what the other boat will do. It continues on its course unless the other vessel is clearly not going to comply with the rules. When in doubt, reduce speed and prepare to maneuver.

Closing thought

Navigation never lives in a vacuum. It’s a dance between boats, weather, and the laws that keep us from bumping into each other. The stand-on vessel—the one with the right of way—has a steady role to play. It’s not about playing hardball; it’s about predictable, disciplined behavior that helps every vessel stay safe. When you’re out on the water, recognizing who should hold course and who should yield becomes second nature. And that clarity—more than anything—keeps navigation calm, confident, and safe.

So, to recap in a single line: in encounters governed by COLREGs, the stand-on vessel is the one that has the right of way. The other vessel yields. Simple in theory, essential in practice. As you stray through harbors and open waters alike, keeping that principle in mind can make all the difference between a smooth crossing and a sudden, tense moment.