Question 11 GLI02 - Mate of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is B A power-driven stand-on vessel (the vessel that has the right-of-way) in a crossing situation is primarily governed by Rule 17 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and Inland Rules. **Why Option B is correct:** Rule 17(a)(i) explicitly states that where one vessel is to keep out of the way (the give-way vessel), the other vessel shall **keep her course and speed** (the stand-on vessel). However, Rule 17(b) immediately clarifies that the stand-on vessel **may** take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action. Furthermore, Rule 17(c) mandates that the stand-on vessel **shall** take such action when collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone (the point of inevitable collision, or the "last resort" maneuver). Therefore, the stand-on vessel is required to maintain course and speed initially but is both permitted and eventually required to take avoiding action. **Why Option A is incorrect:** Option A states the vessel is "required to give-way in a crossing situation." This is the definition of the **give-way** vessel (the burdened vessel, typically the vessel on the port side of the other), not the stand-on vessel (the privileged vessel). **Why Option C is incorrect:** Option C states the vessel is "required to sound the first passing signal in a meeting situation." Passing signals (one or two short blasts indicating intent to leave the other vessel on the port or starboard side) are used to signal intent, but the requirement to sound the first signal usually rests with the vessel proposing the maneuver, which may be either vessel, and is primarily governed by Inland Rules (Rule 34), not COLREGs, which primarily rely on mandatory maneuvering and steering rules. More importantly, in a head-on meeting situation (Rule 14), both power-driven vessels are required to alter course to starboard, meaning there is no designated "stand-on" vessel in a strict sense until one begins to maneuver and the situation is no longer purely head-on. **Why Option D is incorrect:** Option D states the vessel is "free to maneuver in any crossing or meeting situation as it has the right of way." This is dangerously false. Having the "right of way" (being the stand-on vessel) imposes the **obligation** to maintain course and speed initially (Rule 17(a)(i)). The vessel is not "free to maneuver" at will, as doing so would confuse the give-way vessel and violate its primary duty under the rules. Freedom to maneuver only opens up when the give-way vessel fails to act appropriately or collision is imminent.