Inland · Rule 17
Action by Stand-on Vessel
Last verified: 2026-05-16
TL;DR
The stand-on vessel keeps her course and speed. If it becomes apparent the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action, the stand-on may take action; when collision cannot be avoided by the give-way alone, she shall take such action as will best aid to avoid collision.
Why it shows up on the exam
The stand-on must NOT alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side — that's the most common Rule 17 trap.
Authoritative source
Source links checked against the current public rule corpus on 2026-05-16.
International parallel
COLREGs Rule 17 — Action by Stand-on Vessel →More from Part B-II — In Sight of One Another
Related drills
Drill Inland Rule 17
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