AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/boat-stand-on-course-speed

When another boat must keep out of your way, what must your stand-on boat do?

Keep its course and speed.

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  1. Turn away early
  2. Keep its course and speed ✔
  3. Stop completely

Why: Inland Rule 17 says the stand-on vessel keeps its course and speed so the give-way vessel can predict it. If the give-way boat isn't acting, the stand-on boat may act, and must when collision gets close.

Huh, didn't know that: Rule 16 tells the give-way vessel to take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

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Why did the octopus beat the shark in a fight? It was well armed.
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References

Answer: Keep its course and speed. Inland Rule 17 says the stand-on vessel keeps its course and speed so the give-way vessel can predict it. If the give-way boat isn't acting, the stand-on boat may act, and must when collision gets close.

  1. 33 CFR 83.17 Action by stand-on vessel, Inland Rule 17 (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.17
    Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way, the other shall keep her course and speed.
    Checked 2026-10-08.
  2. 33 CFR 83.16 Action by give-way vessel, Inland Rule 16 (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.16
    take early and substantial action to keep well clear.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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Boating & WaterYou're the stand-on boat, and the give-way boat clearly isn't moving out of your way. What may you do?Boating & WaterThe give-way boat is so close that its action alone can't prevent a collision. What must the stand-on boat do?Boating & WaterTwo powerboats are crossing paths. Which one must keep out of the way?

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