In a situation where two powerboats are crossing, who is the give-way vessel?

In the context of navigation rules, when two power-driven vessels are crossing paths, the give-way vessel is determined by the relative positions of the vessels. When one vessel has the other on her port side, it means that the vessel is approaching from her left side. According to the navigation rules, a vessel must take action to avoid a collision when another is on her port side; thus, the vessel with another on her port side is obliged to give way.

When the other vessel is on the navigating vessel's starboard side (right side), that vessel is the stand-on vessel, meaning it maintains its course and speed unless a collision is imminent. Therefore, in this situation, the correct understanding of who must yield is that the vessel encountering another on her port side takes the role of the give-way vessel, reflecting the fundamental right-of-way rules in maritime navigation.