Question 11 FCP01 - First Class Pilot

The Correct Answer is B A power-driven stand-on vessel (which is typically the vessel on the starboard side in a crossing situation, or the vessel designated as stand-on in various other scenarios) is defined by Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel) of both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the Inland Rules. 1. **Why option B is correct:** Rule 17(a)(i) requires the stand-on vessel to **keep her course and speed**. However, Rule 17(b) states that the stand-on vessel **may** take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action (or Rule 17(c) which requires action once collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone). Therefore, the stand-on vessel is required to maintain course and speed initially, but is permitted (and eventually required) to take action to avoid collision if the risk persists. 2. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) required to give-way in a crossing situation:** This is the definition of the **give-way** vessel (Rule 15), not the stand-on vessel. The stand-on vessel is required to maintain its course and speed. * **C) required to sound the first passing signal in a meeting situation:** Passing signals (like one short blast for passing port-to-port or two short blasts for passing starboard-to-starboard) are primarily used in **Inland Rules** to propose a maneuver in a meeting or overtaking situation. In a meeting situation, both vessels are typically give-way vessels until an agreement is reached, or the vessel proposing the maneuver (often the one required to alter course) sounds the first signal. This requirement is not specifically tied to being the stand-on vessel (which typically isn't a designation in a head-on meeting situation unless it involves a privileged vessel like a NUC). * **D) free to maneuver in any crossing or meeting situation as it has the right of way:** While the stand-on vessel has the "right of way" (or the obligation to maintain course and speed), it is absolutely **not** free to maneuver. It is required to maintain course and speed until action is necessary under Rule 17(b) or 17(c). Furthermore, in a meeting (head-on) situation, neither power-driven vessel is usually stand-on; both are give-way vessels required to alter course to starboard (Rule 14).