Question 11 GLI07 - OUPV

The Correct Answer is B. Option B is correct because it accurately reflects the responsibilities of a stand-on vessel under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS Rule 17). The stand-on vessel is primarily obligated to **maintain her course and speed** to allow the give-way vessel (the other power-driven vessel) to take effective action (Rule 17(a)(i)). However, the rule also states that the stand-on vessel **may** take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action (Rule 17(b)). Furthermore, when collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel's action alone, the stand-on vessel **shall** take such action as will best aid in avoiding collision (Rule 17(c)). Here is why the other options are incorrect: * **A) required to give-way in a crossing situation:** This is incorrect. A power-driven stand-on vessel is the vessel that holds the right-of-way and is required to *maintain* course and speed (Rule 17(a)(i)). The other vessel (the one that has the stand-on vessel on its starboard side) is the *give-way* vessel (Rule 15). * **C) required to sound the first passing signal in a meeting situation:** This is incorrect. In a meeting situation (Rule 14), neither vessel is strictly the stand-on vessel; both vessels are required to alter course to starboard to pass port-to-port. Passing signals (one short blast for "I am altering my course to starboard") are sounded by the vessel taking action, and if a power-driven vessel initiates the maneuver, it sounds the signal. The "first" signal is not a unique requirement of the stand-on vessel in a crossing situation, nor does the stand-on vessel concept apply equally in a meeting situation. * **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." It is primarily constrained to maintain course and speed. It must only take action later if required to avoid immediate danger (Rule 17(b) and (c)). Furthermore, the stand-on/give-way relationship does not strictly apply in a meeting situation (Rule 14).