What action should a sailing vessel take when encountering a power vessel at sea?

A sailing vessel is generally required to keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel when it is under sail. This requirement is established in the Navigation Rules, specifically under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). The rationale behind this rule is that power-driven vessels have the ability to maneuver more easily and are often less able to see sailing vessels due to their lower profile and the position of sails.

When a sailing vessel is approaching a power vessel, it recognizes that the power vessel may have limited ability to slow down or change course quickly due to its size and the possibility of reaching a higher speed. Therefore, the sailing vessel should take proactive measures to avoid potential collisions, ensuring safety on the water for both vessels.

The other options do not align with the established protocols for navigation and right-of-way at sea. For example, reversing direction immediately may create confusion and risk additional hazards. Maintaining course and speed in the presence of a power vessel could lead to a collision, while signaling for the power vessel to alter course is not a requirement and might not ensure avoidance of danger. Hence, the imperative action for a sailing vessel is to keep out of the way of the power-driven vessel when under sail.