What should you do if you recognize a vessel is to your starboard side?

When you recognize a vessel is to your starboard side, the appropriate action is to consider it the stand-on vessel. This is based on the rules of navigation, specifically the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). According to these regulations, when two power-driven vessels are approaching each other, the one that has the other on its starboard side is typically the stand-on vessel.

The stand-on vessel is expected to maintain its course and speed, while the give-way vessel (the one with the other boat on its port side) must take action to avoid a collision. In this case, since the other vessel is on your starboard, you are effectively the give-way vessel. Recognizing this helps ensure safe navigation and helps prevent collisions by following established maritime rules. This situational awareness is crucial for maintaining safe passage on the waterways.

The other options, while they may seem relevant, are not appropriate in this context because the rules clearly define which vessel has the responsibility to yield.