What action must a power-driven vessel take when encountering a sailing vessel on a collision course?

When a power-driven vessel encounters a sailing vessel on a collision course, the appropriate action is to keep clear and pass at a safe distance. This is essential because of the navigation rules that prioritize the safety of all vessels and establish criteria for right of way.

In maritime navigation, sailing vessels typically have the right of way over power-driven vessels when they are under sail. Therefore, the power-driven vessel must take measures to avoid a collision by maneuvering safely. Keeping clear ensures that the power-driven vessel does not impose any risk to the maneuverability of the sailing vessel, especially since sailing vessels may have limited ability to change direction quickly, particularly when they are close-hauled.

Maintaining a safe distance is also critical for safety, as it allows for the proper reaction time should either vessel need to make an evasive maneuver. By ensuring this distance is respected, both vessels can navigate safely without endangering each other.

Additional actions, like altering course to starboard or increasing speed, could potentially lead to confusion or contribute to a collision rather than preventing one. Thus, keeping clear and passing at a safe distance is the best decision in such a scenario.