In the context of nautical terminology, what is a stand-on vessel?

A stand-on vessel is defined as a vessel that is required to maintain its course and speed when encountering another vessel. This concept is an important part of the 'Rule of the Road,' which dictates how vessels should behave when they are in close proximity to avoid collisions. The stand-on vessel is expected to continue on its current path, showing that it has the right of way over the other vessel, which is often referred to as the give-way vessel.

It's crucial for navigators to understand the responsibilities of both stand-on and give-way vessels to ensure safe navigation and prevent accidents on the water. The designation of a vessel as a stand-on does not mean it can ignore other vessels; rather, it might still need to take evasive action if the give-way vessel fails to adhere to the rules, or if a collision is imminent. This cooperative interaction preserves safety and navigation rights among vessels in transit.

In contrast, a vessel that is required to yield to another does not have the right of way, which describes the opposite scenario of a stand-on vessel. Similarly, an anchored vessel and a fishing vessel fall outside the specific definition of what constitutes a stand-on vessel in this context.