Final answer:
The correct option is b. an overtaken vessel. The overtaken vessel is the 'stand-on' vessel to all others, meaning it has the right of way and should maintain its course and speed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns nautical rules of the road, specifically which vessel has the right of way, known as the “stand-on” vessel, in various scenarios. The Boat Safety Act of 1971, along with international regulations, determine the rules for navigational scenarios. In the context of the options provided, an overtaken vessel, or a vessel that is being passed by another, is generally the stand-on vessel and has the right of way.
The answer to your question is: b. an overtaken vessel. This means that when one vessel is overtaking another, the vessel being overtaken has the right of way and should maintain its course and speed, while the overtaking vessel should take action to avoid collision.
In boating, the stand-on vessel is the one that has the right of way and should maintain its course and speed. In the given options, an overtaken vessel is the one being passed by another vessel, so it is not the stand-on vessel. An overtaking vessel is the one passing another vessel, so it is also not the stand-on vessel. Therefore, the correct answer is none of the above.