Plus, even if they didn't see the other vessel, up to a point they
were probably proceeding exactly as a right of way vessel should in a
crossing situation. The right of way vessel has to maintain a
straight and predictable course so that they can be avoided. If it
becomes clear that there will be a collision, the right of way vessel
must take action to avoid it but doing that too soon can create a
hazard or collision out of a simple crossing if the burdened vessel
can't figure out the intent and predict the course.

If your friends were altering course as the right of way vessel and
not keeping a lookout, then they would be more than 24% wrong in my
book.

--

Roger Long