Question 11 GLI06 - Master or Mate of LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is B **Why Option B is Correct:** Option B states that a power-driven stand-on vessel is "required to maintain course and speed in a crossing situation but may take action to avoid collision." This accurately reflects the rules laid out in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the corresponding Inland Rules (specifically Rule 17 – Action by the Stand-on Vessel). * **Initial Requirement (Maintain Course and Speed):** Rule 17(a)(i) mandates that the stand-on vessel shall keep her course and speed. This predictability is crucial for the give-way vessel to execute a safe maneuver. * **Permissive Action (Taking Action to Avoid Collision):** Rule 17(a)(ii) allows the stand-on vessel to take action to avoid collision "as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action." This is the permissive step—she *may* act. * **Mandatory Action (Last Resort):** Rule 17(b) mandates that when, from any cause, the stand-on vessel finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, she **shall** take such action as will best aid to avoid collision. Therefore, the stand-on vessel is primarily required to maintain course and speed but is allowed (and eventually required) to act to avoid collision. **Why Other Options Are Incorrect:** * **A) required to give-way in a crossing situation:** This is incorrect. The stand-on vessel is defined by its requirement to *maintain* course and speed (stand-on), while the other vessel (the give-way vessel) is required to give way. * **C) required to sound the first passing signal in a meeting situation:** This is incorrect for two reasons: * **Stand-on vs. Meeting:** The concept of "stand-on" and "give-way" is primarily used in crossing situations (Rule 15). In a head-on (meeting) situation (Rule 14), both vessels are required to take action to pass port-to-port (or starboard-to-starboard by agreement), meaning neither is strictly "stand-on." * **Signaling:** Furthermore, signaling in a meeting situation (Inland Rules, or when maneuvering signals are necessary under International Rules) is typically done by the vessel initiating a maneuver, not simply by a vessel holding course. * **D) free to maneuver in any crossing or meeting situation as it has the right of way:** This is incorrect. The stand-on vessel is *not* "free to maneuver." Its primary obligation is to maintain course and speed to prevent confusion. It is only permitted (and later required) to maneuver if the give-way vessel fails to act. The phrase "right of way" does not equate to "freedom to maneuver." Every vessel, even the stand-on vessel, retains the obligation under Rule 2 (Responsibility) to take any action necessary to avoid collision.