Question 767 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is D) Stand on. In an overtaking situation, the vessel being overtaken (the stand-on vessel) is required to maintain its course and speed, as per the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) Rule 13. The flashing red light indicates that the overtaking vessel is not sure of its intentions, so the stand-on vessel should continue on its course and allow the overtaking vessel to pass safely. The other options are incorrect because A) Altering course to assist is not the appropriate action for the stand-on vessel, B) Giving-way is the responsibility of the overtaking vessel, and C) Heaving to (stopping the vessel) is also not the correct action for the stand-on vessel in this situation.