Question 33 GLI08 - Limited OUPV

The Correct Answer is D. Rule 14 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the corresponding Inland Rules addresses the head-on situation. For this rule to mandate the action (i.e., that each vessel shall alter course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other), all conditions listed must be met simultaneously. ### Explanation of why Option D ("All of the above") is correct: Rule 14 explicitly states the conditions under which it applies: 1. **A) They must be meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses:** Rule 14(a) defines the head-on situation as existing when "two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses." This establishes the necessary geometry of the encounter. 2. **B) The situation must involve risk of collision:** The entire body of the COLREGs/Inland Rules is only mandatory when there is a risk of collision (established by Rule 7). If there is no risk of collision, no specific action is required under the rules, regardless of the vessel courses. 3. **C) Both vessels must be power-driven:** Rule 14 specifically refers to the actions of "two power-driven vessels." Encounters between a power-driven vessel and a sailing vessel, or two sailing vessels, are governed by Rule 12 and Rule 18 (Responsibilities between vessels), not Rule 14. Since A, B, and C are all prerequisites for Rule 14 to apply and dictate action, the answer is D. ### Why the other options are incorrect: * **A) They must be meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses:** While this is a mandatory condition defining the geometry of the situation, it is insufficient on its own. Rule 14 also requires the vessels to be power-driven and risk of collision to exist. * **B) The situation must involve risk of collision:** This is a fundamental requirement for the application of *any* maneuvering rule (Rules 13-17). However, if there is a risk of collision but the vessels are not on reciprocal courses (e.g., crossing), Rule 15 applies, not Rule 14. Thus, it is necessary but insufficient alone. * **C) Both vessels must be power-driven:** This is explicitly stated in Rule 14(a). However, if two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on but are still miles apart with no risk of collision, Rule 14 does not require immediate action. Furthermore, if they are crossing, Rule 15 applies. Thus, it is necessary but insufficient alone.