Rule 17 — Action by stand-on vessel

(a) (i) Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way the other shall keep her course and speed.

(ii) The latter vessel may however take action to avoid collision by her manoeuvre alone, as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action in compliance with these Rules.

(b) When, from any cause, the vessel required to keep her course and speed finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, she shall take such action as will best aid to avoid collision.

(c) A power-driven vessel which takes action in a crossing situation in accordance with sub-paragraph (a)(ii) of this Rule to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, not alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side.

(d) This Rule does not relieve the give-way vessel of her obligation to keep out of the way.

MSN 1781 (M+F): Rules text stated on the document as amended through IMO Res A.910(22); read with MSN 1781 (M+F) Amendment 3 (21 Nov 2023, current — replaces Amendment 2; scope-only change for the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023). Per Amendment 2 Appendix 2, the only later wording changes are Annex IV (A.1004(25)) and new Part F Rules 39-41 (A.1085(28)).

Contains public sector information reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: MSN 1781.

Independent preparatory study aligned to the MCA OOW (Yachts <3000 GT) oral examination syllabus. Not an MCA-approved course and confers no credit toward a Certificate of Competency.