[submarine571]

In this situation power driven vessels meeting head to head, neither vessel is the “Stand on” vessel. Both are “Burdened” to give way so as to avoid a collision.

[USCG SimTech]

In this situation power driven vessels meeting head to head, neither vessel is the “Stand on” vessel. Both are “Burdened” to give way so as to avoid a collision.

If it was a head-on situation both are REQUIRED to alter their course to the right to pass port-to-port. (Rule 14) Looking at the prop-wash in a more distant photo. This was a crossing situation, rule 15, where the US vessel had the Russian vessel off their starboard bow. The US vessel is give-way and the US vessel did not. The Russian was following the rules by standing on but broke the rules by not avoiding a collision or near collision with early and substantial action (maneuver) as this turned into a "Shall-May-Shall", last "Shall" situation.

[River_Wrangler]

In this situation power driven vessels meeting head to head, neither vessel is the “Stand on” vessel. Both are “Burdened” to give way so as to avoid a collision.

After watching the video footage, it appears that the Russian ship is approaching from an angle to the US ship. That would make it the give way vessel. A simple way to recognize that it was a crossing situation is if one can see a red light (port side running light) it means stop. I am often critical of our military way of operating vessels but find no fault in the US vessel's maneuvers with information available.

Captain Wrangler

[AndyJackson]

The Russian is overtaking the American vessel starting on the starboard quarter aimed for the vessel and then turns parallel to the American vessel as it gets close. The Russian vessel is burdened and obligated to stay clear under these circumstances.A few degree turn to port by the American would have rapidly opened the space between the vessels.

It's no big sweat, actually. The Russian being the burdened vessel has the obligation to stay clear. It does so.

I am more concerned that we still don't know how to steer our ships under these circumstances.