My interpretation is:
If I am on PORT heading to a crossing with a Starboard boat, I know he has the right away. I evaluate heading/speed/wind conditions, surrounding boats. I decide to take a course of action,
A- tack away onto Starboard,
B- duck the stern of the starboard boat,
C- continue on as I believe I will cross in front of the starboard tacker if he maintains his present course.
If I choose C, I will hail 'HOLD YOUR COURSE, and continue on. This lets the other skipper know that I intend to cross, and a reminder that any new change in his COMPASS HEADING requires that he give me time to respond. I know that if I cut it to close and the Starboard boat has to change course to avoid contact, he will protest me and I will do a turn(s). I expect that he will maintain his course, COMPASS HEADING, and not head up. If he does head up, he will give me time to respond.
I find a 2011 definition of a "STARBOARD" hail by Dick Rose. http://www.sailingworld.com/experts/five-important-hails?page=0,0
a hail of “starboard” coming from your bowman signals to the boat on port that you intend to hold your course and expect the port-tack boat to keep clear.
The hold your course portion of the above is new to me. This would seem to reinforce the safety aspects of these crossings if applied in our sailing. The starboard boat would maintain the compass course it is on.