Question 23 GLI03 - Master-LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for D (Correct Answer):** Option D, "if the bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change," is the direct and primary definition provided in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 7 (Risk of Collision), paragraph (a)(i). This rule establishes the criteria for determining if a risk exists. If the compass bearing of an approaching vessel remains relatively constant (does not "appreciably change"), it means that if the vessels maintain their courses and speeds, their paths will converge at or near the same point, indicating a clear risk of collision. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** * **A) whenever a vessel crosses ahead of the intended track of another vessel:** While crossing situations are dangerous and governed by specific rules (Rule 15), merely crossing the *intended track* does not automatically constitute a deemed risk of collision according to the regulatory definition. The risk determination relies on factors like distance and bearing change, not simply the geometry of the projected tracks. * **B) if one vessel approaches another so as to be overtaking:** Overtaking situations (Rule 13) always imply a risk, but this statement is a description of a specific type of encounter. COLREGs uses the "constant bearing, decreasing range" principle (Rule 7) as the fundamental definition for *when* risk shall be deemed to exist, a definition that applies universally to all types of encounters (overtaking, crossing, and head-on). * **C) whenever two vessels approach from opposite directions:** This describes a head-on situation (Rule 14). Like overtaking or crossing, a head-on approach is dangerous, but the regulatory definition for *deeming* risk to exist still defaults to the principle established in Rule 7—the lack of an appreciable change in bearing. A head-on approach is specifically dangerous *because* the bearing often changes very slowly or not at all initially, triggering the Rule 7 definition.