The give-way vessel is the boat that must avoid a collision with the other boat. The give-way vessel may need to change speed and/or trajectory in order to avoid contact with the other boat. Boats that are under sail are never give-way vessels in a situation with a power boat. The sailboat has a much more difficult time changing speed or trajectory but still maintaining enough wind in the sails. This is why a power boat that does not rely on the wind is a give-way vessel. The power boat can easily change direction or speed and give the sailboat under sail the courtesy of maintaining the wind.
Assuming that you're referring to my last duchess by Robert Browning , the conclusion that we can draw about the speaker's character would be : He is extremely arrogant. You can see it on the words : 'i choose never to stoop' and 'i give commands'
