A burdened vessel (now officially termed the "give-way" vessel") is a boat required under Navigation Rules to take early and substantial action to keep clear of another vessel. It must avoid crossing ahead of the stand-on vessel and maneuver to prevent collision, typically by slowing down or altering course.

Key Characteristics and Rules:
Responsibility: The burden lies with this vessel to maneuver safely, while the stand-on vessel maintains its course and speed.

Overtaking: A vessel overtaking another is always the burdened/give-way vessel.

Crossing: In a crossing situation, the vessel that has the other on its starboard (right) side is generally the burdened vessel.

Sailing Rules: A power-driven vessel is usually burdened when encountering a sailing vessel or a vessel engaged in fishing.