According to Rule 17c, what should a power-driven vessel not do to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel?

Rule 17c states that a power-driven vessel must avoid making a course alteration to port that would result in a collision with another vessel on its own port side. The rationale behind this rule is to ensure safe navigation and prevent accidents by minimizing unpredictable maneuvers.

When a power-driven vessel is faced with another vessel approaching from the port side, altering course to port would not only bring the two vessels closer together, but it could also lead to confusion and a higher risk of collision. This rule emphasizes the importance of predictable navigation in maintaining safety at sea, particularly in situations where vessels are passing each other.

In addressing the other choices: altering course to starboard could be a safely defined maneuver to avoid collision, speeding up rapidly can be dangerous if done without consideration of the surrounding vessels and conditions, and reversing direction typically would be an extreme measure that is not warranted in most circumstances unless specifically needed to avoid immediate danger. Each of these scenario choices provides alternative responses that may or may not be appropriate, but C specifically highlights an action to avoid based on the safety principles of maritime navigation laid out in the COLREGs.