Question 8 FCP01 - First Class Pilot

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation of Option A (Two power-driven vessels meeting head-on):** Option A is correct according to Rule 14 (Head-on Situation) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the Inland Rules equivalent. This rule specifically dictates that when two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision, **each shall alter her course to starboard** so that each may pass on the port side of the other. Since both vessels are required to take action simultaneously, this is the situation where the Rules require both vessels to change course. **Explanation of Why Other Options Are Incorrect:** * **Option B (Two power-driven vessels crossing when it is apparent to the stand-on vessel that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action):** This scenario is governed by Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel). Initially, only the give-way vessel is required to change course (Rule 15). The stand-on vessel only takes action (changes course) later, when it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking action (Rule 17(a)(ii)). The initial requirement is for one vessel (give-way) to act; the requirement for the stand-on vessel to act is secondary and contingent upon the failure of the give-way vessel. It does not initially require both to change course. * **Option C (Two sailing vessels crossing with the wind on the same side):** This is governed by Rule 12 (Sailing Vessels). When two sailing vessels have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward. In this situation, only the windward vessel is required to take action (change course); the leeward vessel is the stand-on vessel and maintains course and speed. * **Option D (All of the above):** Since options B and C do not initially require both vessels to change course, this option is incorrect.