Question 11 MODU02 - Barge Supervisor

The Correct Answer is B A power-driven vessel that is designated as the "stand-on" vessel in a crossing situation (which applies to both International and Inland Rules, or COLREGS) is governed by Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel). **Why option B is correct:** Rule 17(a)(i) explicitly states that where one vessel is required to keep out of the way (the give-way vessel), the other vessel (the stand-on vessel) shall **keep her course and speed**. However, the Rules recognize the paramount duty to avoid collision. Rule 17(b) states that the stand-on vessel **may** take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action. Furthermore, Rule 17(c) mandates that if, from any cause, the stand-on vessel finds itself so close that 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 is the "jolly well must" clause). Therefore, the stand-on vessel is required to maintain course and speed initially but has the right and, eventually, the duty to take action to avoid collision. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) required to give-way in a crossing situation:** This is the definition of the *give-way* vessel (the vessel on the port side in a crossing situation), not the stand-on vessel. The stand-on vessel is required to maintain course and speed. * **C) required to sound the first passing signal in a meeting situation:** Passing signals (whistle signals) are primarily used to initiate or confirm maneuvers, typically by the vessel proposing the action. In a meeting situation (head-on), both power-driven vessels are required to give-way by altering course to starboard. Neither vessel is inherently the "stand-on" vessel, and the vessel proposing the maneuver usually sounds the first signal (e.g., one short blast to pass port-to-port). * **D) free to maneuver in any crossing or meeting situation as it has the right of way:** While the vessel is stand-on (or has the "right of way") in a crossing situation, it is *not* "free to maneuver." It is strictly required to maintain course and speed until action is necessary under Rule 17. The primary purpose of the stand-on/give-way relationship is predictability, which is achieved by the stand-on vessel holding steady.