Question 11 MODU01 - Offshore Installation Manager

The Correct Answer is B **Why Option B is Correct:** Option B states that the 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 Inland Rules (which mirror the international rules regarding stand-on vessels). * **Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel):** This rule dictates that the stand-on vessel (in this case, the power-driven vessel that has the right-of-way) **shall** maintain its course and speed. * **Rule 17(a)(ii):** However, this 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):** Further, Rule 17(b) mandates that when collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, the stand-on vessel **shall** take such action as will best aid to avoid collision. This confirms that while the primary duty is to maintain course and speed, the ultimate overriding duty is to avoid collision. **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **A) required to give-way in a crossing situation:** This is incorrect. A stand-on vessel is specifically the vessel that is *not* required to give way; that duty belongs to the "give-way" vessel (the vessel on its port side in a crossing situation). * **C) required to sound the first passing signal in a meeting situation:** This is incorrect, especially under International Rules. In a meeting situation (head-on), both vessels are required to alter course to starboard to pass port-to-port (Rule 14). While vessels approaching each other may sound signals, the duty to sound a passing signal (e.g., one short blast to show intent to pass to port) generally belongs to the vessel initiating the maneuver, and is required under Inland Rules, but not "required to sound the **first** passing signal" simply because it is a power-driven vessel. Furthermore, stand-on/give-way roles do not strictly apply in meeting situations—both vessels have a duty to act. * **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 explicitly restricted from immediate maneuvering, as its duty is to **maintain** course and speed to allow the give-way vessel to safely execute its required maneuver. Only if the give-way vessel fails to act appropriately is the stand-on vessel "free" (and later required) to maneuver.