Question 8 GLI04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Two power-driven vessels meeting head-on):** Option A is correct according to Rule 14 (Head-on situation). This rule explicitly states that when two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision, **each** vessel shall alter her course to starboard so that each may pass on the port side of the other. The rule requires simultaneous, mandatory action by both vessels to change course to the right (starboard). **Why the 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 situation falls under Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel). Initially, the Stand-on vessel (privileged) is required to *maintain* course and speed (Rule 17(a)(i)). It is only the Give-way vessel that is initially required to take action. The Stand-on vessel is only required (and mandated) to take action when collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone (Rule 17(b)). While both vessels *may* eventually change course, the Rules do not **require** both vessels to change course simultaneously from the outset. The initial responsibility for change rests solely with the Give-way vessel. * **Option C (Two sailing vessels crossing with the wind on the same side):** This situation is covered 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. Only the vessel to windward (the give-way vessel) is required to change course; the vessel to leeward (the stand-on vessel) must initially maintain course and speed. Therefore, the Rules only require one vessel (the windward vessel) to change course initially. * **Option D (All of the above):** Since options B and C do not mandate that both vessels change course simultaneously at the inception of the situation (only one is required to change initially), this option is incorrect.