What is the primary responsibility of a give way vessel in a crossing situation?

In a crossing situation, the primary responsibility of a give way vessel is to take action to avoid collision. This means that the vessel identified as the give way vessel must actively maneuver to ensure that a collision does not occur with the stand-on vessel. This responsibility is crucial because it maintains safety on the water by preventing potential accidents. The give way vessel must assess the situation, consider its speed and maneuverability, and make the necessary adjustments, such as changing course or speed, to avoid any risk of collision with the stand-on vessel, which is expected to maintain its course and speed.

Maintaining a constant course, which might seem reasonable, is primarily the responsibility of the stand-on vessel, not the give way vessel. Similarly, increasing speed to pass could potentially create a risk rather than mitigate one, as it may surprise the stand-on vessel or reduce the effectiveness of the give way vessel's actions to avoid a collision. Signaling the other vessel, while important for communication, is not the primary responsibility associated with being a give way vessel in this context; the first priority remains the physical avoidance of a collision. The emphasis on proactive measures reflects the fundamental principles of navigation safety and the rules established by the maritime Collision Regulations.