Question 31 AB01 - Able Seafarer

The Correct Answer is B. **Explanation for B (Maintain course and speed):** This scenario is governed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Rule 12 (Sailing Vessels). Rule 12(a)(i) states that when two sailing vessels are approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other. In this situation: 1. **Your vessel:** Has the wind on the starboard side. 2. **The other vessel (Give-way vessel):** Has the wind on the port side. Since the other vessel has the wind on the port side, it is the **give-way vessel** and is required to take early and substantial action to keep out of the way. Your vessel is the **stand-on vessel** and is required by Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel) to maintain its course and speed. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **A) Reduce sail and hold course:** While holding course is correct, reducing sail unnecessarily alters your speed and is not the required action for the stand-on vessel under Rule 17, which specifically mandates maintaining both course and speed. * **C) Any maneuver to avoid collision:** While avoiding collision is the ultimate goal (COLREG Rule 2), this is not the immediate action required of the stand-on vessel. If you are the stand-on vessel, the primary duty is to maintain course and speed to allow the give-way vessel to predict your movement and execute its avoiding maneuver. Taking "any maneuver" prematurely violates Rule 17. * **D) Alter course away from the other vessel:** This is an action reserved for the give-way vessel, or for the stand-on vessel only if the give-way vessel's action alone is insufficient (the "last resort" provision of Rule 17(b)). As the stand-on vessel, your initial duty is to maintain course and speed.