Combat Information Center (CIC) and Navigation Practice Test

In a crossing situation between two vessels, the vessel that has the other on its starboard side is designated as the give-way vessel. This rule is part of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which provides guidance on navigation rules to ensure safe passage and avoid collisions.

When a vessel finds another vessel off to its starboard side, it indicates that the give-way vessel is responsible for taking measures to avoid collision, which usually means altering its course and/or speed. This rule is in place because the vessel on the starboard side has the right of way, and it is expected that the vessel with the other to starboard will take action to avoid a possible collision.

The other choices may seem reasonable, but they do not align with the established navigation conventions. The size of the vessels or their method of propulsion does not determine which vessel must give way in a crossing scenario. Instead, the position of the vessels with respect to each other, specifically which is to the starboard side, is the determining factor.