Which statement best describes the responsibilities of a stand-on vessel?

The answer highlights the primary responsibility of a stand-on vessel in a meeting situation on the water. A stand-on vessel is defined as the vessel that has the right-of-way and maintains its course and speed when encountering a give-way vessel. This is based on the navigational rules which are designed to prevent collisions by establishing clear responsibilities for vessels based on their positions relative to one another.

When a vessel is identified as a stand-on vessel, it is expected to hold its path unless the give-way vessel does not take the appropriate actions to avoid a potential collision. The intuition behind this rule is to provide predictability and stability in navigation, allowing other vessels, especially the give-way vessel, to make their maneuvers more safely.

Regarding the other responses, they do not accurately depict the responsibilities of a stand-on vessel. For instance, the notion that a stand-on vessel must always allow other vessels to overtake implies an obligation that is not consistent with right-of-way rules. Also, stating that it is responsible for the safety of all vessels nearby places undue responsibility on one vessel rather than emphasizing the mutual obligation of all vessels to navigate safely. Lastly, the idea that a stand-on vessel must turn away from all approaching vessels is overly broad and incorrect,