Question 23 GLI02 - Mate of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (Correct):** Option D ("if the bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change") is the specific condition codified in both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the Inland Rules that defines when risk of collision shall be deemed to exist. This is stated explicitly in Rule 7(b), which addresses the assessment of risk of collision. If the compass bearing to an approaching vessel remains relatively constant while the distance between the vessels is decreasing, it means the two vessels are on a collision course. This criterion is the fundamental standard for determining potential collision risk under the Rules. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** * **A) whenever a vessel crosses ahead of the intended track of another vessel:** While crossing situations are dangerous and require specific actions (Rule 15), merely crossing the projected track does not automatically mean risk of collision exists *at that moment*. Risk of collision is determined by bearing change and range decrease, not just the crossing geometry. * **B) if one vessel approaches another so as to be overtaking:** Overtaking situations are defined under Rule 13, and the risk of collision certainly exists. However, the Rules define the *general condition* for when risk shall be deemed to exist (Rule 7(b)) using the criteria of constant bearing and decreasing range. Option D is the specific, universal definition applied to all situations (crossing, head-on, or overtaking) to confirm risk. * **C) whenever two vessels approach from opposite directions:** This describes a head-on situation (Rule 14), which requires immediate action. Like overtaking (B), risk clearly exists, but the Rules provide the constant bearing/decreasing range criterion (D) as the precise, mandated method for determining that risk is deemed to exist, which is a more accurate answer than simply describing a scenario type.