Final answer:
In a crossing situation at sea, the giveaway vessel is the one that must give way to the other vessel to avoid a collision.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a crossing situation at sea, the giveaway vessel is the one that must give way or yield to the other vessel to prevent a collision. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) specify the rules for determining the giveaway vessel based on the relative positions and courses of the two vessels.
There are different rules for various crossing situations, such as when two power-driven vessels are crossing, a vessel is overtaking another, or a vessel is sailing close-hauled or on a collision course with another.
For example, if two power-driven vessels are crossing each other's paths, the giveaway vessel is the one that has the other vessel on its starboard side. It must take early and substantial action to keep out of the way of the other vessel.