SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-stand-on-must-act

The give-way boat is so close that its action alone can't prevent a collision. What must the stand-on boat do?

Take whatever action will best help avoid the collision.

Start playing free

  1. Keep course and speed, as always
  2. Take the action that best helps avoid collision ✔
  3. Turn off its engine and drift

Why: Rule 17(b) says when the stand-on boat is so close that the give-way boat alone can't avoid a collision, it shall take the action that best aids in avoiding it. At that point, 'may' becomes 'must'.

Huh, didn't know that: At this close stage, Rule 17 changes the stand-on vessel's action from optional to required.

The dad joke
Why did the boat take a sudden turn? Because standing still was not an option.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Take the action that best helps avoid collision. Rule 17(b) says when the stand-on boat is so close that the give-way boat alone can't avoid a collision, it shall take the action that best aids in avoiding it. At that point, 'may' becomes 'must'.

  1. 33 CFR 83.17, Action by stand-on vessel (Rule 17) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.17
    she shall take such action as will best aid to avoid collision.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterWhen another boat must keep out of your way, what must your stand-on boat do?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 & WaterA boat under 12 meters (39.4 feet) needn't carry a regulation whistle. What must it have?

That's stuff everyone should know.