Question

You encounter another boat. you assess the situation and determine that you are the give-way vessel. what must you do?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

You need to take early and substantial action to keep well away, and you must change course and speed to avoid the other vessel.