What should a sailing vessel do when it is overtaken by a power-driven vessel?

When a sailing vessel is being overtaken by a power-driven vessel, it is generally expected to maintain its course and speed. This is based on navigational rules that prioritize the rights of the overtaking vessel, which is responsible for ensuring a safe passing maneuver.

Maintaining course and speed helps ensure predictability in the sailing vessel's movements, allowing the overtaking power-driven vessel to navigate safely around it. The overtaking vessel is required to take appropriate action to avoid collision, and the sailing vessel should not make sudden changes that could lead to confusion or uncertainty in the overtaking vessel's navigation.

In contrast, changing course immediately could create an unpredictable scenario for the power-driven vessel, potentially leading to a collision. Sounding a warning signal is typically the responsibility of the overtaking vessel to alert the sailing vessel of its presence, and making a complete stop could obstruct navigation for both vessels. Therefore, maintaining course and speed aligns with the principles of safe navigation and effective communication on the water.