When two power-driven vessels are crossing, which one has the right of way?

The correct answer is that the vessel on the starboard side has the right of way when two power-driven vessels are crossing. This rule is part of the Navigation Rules, which are established to promote safe navigation and help determine actions to take when vessels encounter each other.

When two vessels are crossing, the general rule states that the vessel which has the other on its port side must keep out of the way. In this scenario, when each vessel is approaching from different directions, the one that sees the other approaching from its starboard side must yield. This provides a consistent and clear way for mariners to make quick decisions to avoid collisions, promoting safety on the water.

Other options are less accurate. The vessel on the port side does not have a specific right of way; instead, it is the responsibility of the vessel on the port side to yield to the vessel on the starboard side. The larger vessel is not guaranteed the right of way according to the rules; size alone does not dictate right of way. Similarly, the slower vessel does not automatically have priority over a faster vessel; right of way revolves more around the aspect of direction relative to one another rather than speed. Thus, adhering to the starboard side rule is crucial in navigation