Question 8 ONC01 - Master/Chief Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for A (Two power-driven vessels meeting head-on):** Option A refers to Rule 14 (Head-on situation). This rule explicitly requires both power-driven vessels, when meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision, to alter their course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other. Therefore, both vessels are required by the Rules to change course. **Explanation of why other options are incorrect:** * **B) Two power-driven vessels crossing when it is apparent to the stand-on vessel that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action:** This situation falls under Rule 15 (Crossing situation) combined with Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel). Initially, only the give-way vessel is required to change course (Rule 15 and 16). The stand-on vessel is required to maintain course and speed (Rule 17(a)(i)). The stand-on vessel is only *permitted* (Rule 17(a)(ii)) to take action to avoid collision when it becomes apparent the give-way vessel is not taking action, and is only *required* (Rule 17(b)) to take action when collision cannot be avoided solely by the action of the give-way vessel. At no point in the Rules is the initial action of both vessels required simultaneously; only the give-way vessel is initially mandated to maneuver. * **C) Two sailing vessels crossing with the wind on the same side:** This situation is governed by Rule 12 (Sailing Vessels). When two sailing vessels have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward. This creates a stand-on/give-way relationship where only the vessel to windward (the give-way vessel) is initially required to change course. The leeward vessel (stand-on vessel) maintains course and speed. * **D) All of the above:** Since options B and C do not initially require both vessels to change course, this option is incorrect.