RichardS
N/A
Rule 2 is a generalised statement of prudence. It essence, it says that there is an over riding responsibility placed on all mariners to avoid collisions even when that avoiding action would not be in compliance with the other rules. So what? Generally, if you are the stand on vessel, you should hold your course and allow the stand off vessel to make a course change to avoid collision. However, if it become apparent that the stand off vessel is not going to change course, then the stand on vessel must take action to avoid the collision.
When in a small vessel as stand on, I watch larger stand off vessels closely for changes of course. I assess the likelyhood of their ability to make a significant course change before getting too close for comfort and will, if necessary, take avoiding action based on what I can see. That is in accordance with Rule 2. In other words, give the stand off vessel time and space to comply with the rules but be prepared to take avoiding action if they fail to make a course change to avoid you. There's no point in maintaining a rigid adherence to the rules as you disappear under a tankers bow.
I don't recall hearing the term "stand off" vessel before. I use the term "give way" vessel.
Is "stand off" the official ColRegs term?
Richard