Question 23 ONC02 - Second Mate/Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for D (Correct Answer):** Option D, "if the bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change," is the direct quote (or close paraphrase) from the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 7 (Risk of Collision), paragraph (b). This is the primary criterion used to determine if a risk of collision exists. If the compass bearing to the approaching vessel remains constant, it indicates that the two vessels are on a collision course, regardless of their heading or movement, and therefore, risk of collision shall be deemed to exist. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) whenever a vessel crosses ahead of the intended track of another vessel:** Crossing ahead is a common maneuver and does not automatically mean risk of collision exists. Risk of collision depends on factors like range, speed, and whether the bearing is changing, not just the crossing of an intended track. * **B) if one vessel approaches another so as to be overtaking:** While overtaking situations require careful action, the Rules state that risk of collision shall be deemed to exist if the bearing does not change. An overtaking vessel generally has a constantly changing bearing (getting finer astern) unless it is very close and maneuvering poorly. The definition of when risk "shall be deemed to exist" is specifically tied to the bearing (Rule 7(b)), not the classification of the encounter (Rule 7(d) notes caution should be taken when approaching, but Rule 7(b) defines when risk is deemed to exist). * **C) whenever two vessels approach from opposite directions:** Approaching from opposite directions (a head-on situation) is a potential risk, but the vessels are not necessarily on a collision course if the bearing is changing (i.e., if one vessel is clearly passing to the side of the other). The defining factor for deeming risk to exist is the lack of bearing change (Rule 7(b)).