Question 16 GLI08 - Limited OUPV

The Correct Answer is C. **Explanation for Option C (Correct Answer):** Option C is correct based on Rule 17(b) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which applies to both International (Nautical) and Inland (U.S. Inland Rules generally mirror COLREGs in this context). Rule 17(b) dictates the obligated action of the stand-on vessel. Initially, the stand-on vessel must maintain its course and speed (Rule 17(a)(i)). However, Rule 17(b) states that the stand-on vessel **shall** take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way (the give-way vessel) is not taking appropriate action, and that a collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel's action alone. This is often referred to as the point of "imminent danger" or the "last resort" maneuver phase. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** **A) When the two vessels become less than half a mile apart:** This is incorrect. While proximity increases risk, no fixed distance rule dictates when the stand-on vessel *must* act. The requirement to act is based on the assessment of danger and the failure of the give-way vessel to maneuver appropriately, not a specific measurable distance. **B) After the give-way vessel sounds one blast in a crossing situation:** This is incorrect. A single blast by the give-way vessel (indicating "I intend to leave you on my port side" in Inland Rules or "I am altering course to starboard" in COLREGs) means the give-way vessel is taking action. The stand-on vessel is required to maintain course and speed and monitor the situation, not automatically change its own course or speed immediately after hearing the blast. The stand-on vessel only changes course when the give-way vessel's actions are clearly insufficient or failing. **D) The stand-on vessel may change course and speed at any time as it has the right of way:** This is incorrect. The stand-on vessel's primary obligation under Rule 17(a)(i) is to **maintain** its course and speed until such time as action is necessary under Rule 17(b) (imminent danger) or 17(c) (allowing it to maneuver earlier if the give-way vessel's action is still possible, though this is a permissive action, not an obligation). Changing course or speed prematurely is illegal and confuses the situation, as the give-way vessel relies on the stand-on vessel's predictability to execute its required maneuvers. The stand-on vessel does *not* have the right to change course and speed at any time.