Massachusetts Boating Certification Practice Test 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The stand-on vessel is required to maintain its course and speed under the navigation rules, provided that it is safe to do so. This rule is in place to ensure the safe movement of vessels in situations where there is a clear distinction between the roles of the vessels involved in a potential collision. The stand-on vessel has the right of way and should continue its path unless it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel (which must take action to avoid a collision) is not responding effectively.

Maintaining course and speed helps to promote predictability in navigation, which is crucial for both vessels to avoid accidents. If the stand-on vessel were to change course or speed without clear indication that the give-way vessel was not taking action, it could potentially create confusion and increase the risk of collision. Therefore, maintaining course and speed is the correct and safest response when the give-way vessel is observing the rules and making an effort to avoid the stand-on vessel.