Question 8 GLI03 - Master-LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for A (Two power-driven vessels meeting head-on):** Option A refers to Rule 14 (Head-on situation) of the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea). This rule mandates specific actions for vessels when they are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision. The rule states: * (a) Each vessel **shall** alter her course to starboard. * (b) This means that each shall pass on the port side of the other. Therefore, in a head-on situation, the Rules specifically require **both** vessels (theoretically meeting in a central plane) to take action simultaneously by altering course to starboard. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **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 involves Rule 15 (Crossing situation) and Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel). Initially, only the give-way vessel (Rule 15) is required to take action. The stand-on vessel is required to maintain course and speed (Rule 17(a)(i)). The stand-on vessel only takes action (Rule 17(b)) when it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action, and this action is primarily defensive to avoid collision, not a simultaneous action required of both from the outset. * **C) Two sailing vessels crossing with the wind on the same side:** This scenario involves 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. Only the windward vessel is the "give-way" vessel. The leeward vessel is the "stand-on" vessel, which must maintain course and speed until collision is imminent. The Rules do not require both vessels to change course simultaneously. * **D) All of the above:** Since options B and C do not mandate simultaneous course changes for both vessels, this option is incorrect.