If the tack of a sailing vessel cannot be determined, what should the vessel be designated as?

When a sailing vessel's tack cannot be determined, it should be designated as the give-way vessel. This designation implies that the vessel has the responsibility to take action to avoid a collision when there is ambiguity regarding its course or position relative to other vessels.

In sailing scenarios, the tack of a vessel refers to which side of the bow the wind is coming from—port or starboard. This determines the right of way between two sailing vessels. However, if the tack is undetermined, recognizing the vessel as a give-way vessel assists in maintaining safe navigation and allows the other vessel to have the right of way without confusion. This helps prevent possible collisions and promotes safe maritime practices.

The choices around this question highlight different navigation scenarios. For example, the stand-on vessel is usually the one that must maintain its course and speed, which is not applicable if the tack is unclear. Similarly, the designation of an approaching vessel refers to its proximity to another, not specifically to its sailing status, while an anchored vessel does not pertain to the situation where tack determination is necessary. Thus, understanding the role of the give-way vessel in uncertain tacking situations reinforces the importance of clear navigation rules and promotes safety at sea.