Question 11 ONC02 - Second Mate/Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is B. Option B ("required to maintain course and speed in a crossing situation but may take action to avoid collision") is correct because it accurately reflects the responsibilities of the stand-on vessel under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS Rule 17) and the Inland Rules. * **Initial Requirement:** Rule 17(a)(i) 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**. * **The May Take Action Clause (Privilege):** Rule 17(b) allows the stand-on vessel to 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. This is the stand-on vessel's "privilege." * **The Shall Take Action Clause (Mandate):** Rule 17(a)(ii) mandates that when, from any cause, the stand-on vessel finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, she **shall** take such action as will best aid to avoid collision. This makes the stand-on vessel's responsibility to act an absolute requirement in extremis. *** **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) required to give-way in a crossing situation:** This is incorrect. The power-driven stand-on vessel is, by definition, the vessel that is required to *maintain* course and speed (stand-on), while the other vessel is the one required to *give way* (keep out of the way). * **C) required to sound the first passing signal in a meeting situation:** This is incorrect. In a meeting situation (head-on), neither vessel is typically designated as stand-on or give-way; both vessels are generally required to alter course to starboard to pass port-to-port (Rule 14). Moreover, passing signals (one or two short blasts) are signals indicating an *intent to pass* or an *agreement to a maneuver*, and either vessel may initiate them, depending on the rules (especially Inland Rules) and which side they intend to pass on. The stand-on vessel is not *required* to sound the first signal simply because it is the stand-on vessel. * **D) free to maneuver in any crossing or meeting situation as it has the right of way:** This is incorrect. While the stand-on vessel has the *right of way* (meaning the other vessel must keep clear), it is specifically *not* free to maneuver initially. The vessel is strictly required to **maintain** course and speed to allow the give-way vessel to predict its movement and execute a safe maneuver. Maneuvering is only permitted or required later under the exceptions of Rule 17 (as detailed in the explanation for B).