What should a vessel do when encountering another vessel in a narrow channel?

When a vessel is navigating a narrow channel, the responsibilities between vessels can vary depending on their statuses as either stand-on or give-way vessels. In this context, if a vessel is identified as the stand-on vessel, it has the right of way and should maintain its course and speed. This action is essential to ensure predictability in navigation and to avoid potential collisions.

The stand-on vessel's obligation is to navigate safely without arbitrary changes in speed or course, which could confuse the give-way vessel. By holding its course and speed, the stand-on vessel allows the give-way vessel the opportunity to take the necessary evasive actions to avoid a collision, thus promoting safe passage through the narrow channel.

In contrast, if the vessel were the give-way vessel, it would need to take action to avoid the stand-on vessel, perhaps by altering course or speed. The navigational rules stress the need for vessels to be aware of their roles and the actions they should take to maintain safety on the water, particularly in confined or narrow waterways where space is limited.