Question 10 ONC03 - Master LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is B. **Explanation for Option B (Correct Answer):** Option B, "should hold her course and speed," is correct because of the fundamental rules governing overtaking situations in both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the U.S. Inland Rules. * **Rule 13 (Overtaking):** This rule states that the vessel being overtaken (Vessel B in this scenario) shall keep her course and speed. The vessel taking the action (Vessel A, the overtaking vessel) is the "give-way" vessel and must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken (the "stand-on" vessel). The stand-on vessel's duty is to maintain a predictable path to allow the give-way vessel to execute the maneuver safely. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) should slow down until vessel "A" has passed:** This is incorrect. The overtaken vessel (B) is the stand-on vessel and must maintain a steady course and speed to ensure the overtaking vessel (A) can predict its movements and safely pass. Slowing down unpredictably would violate the duties of a stand-on vessel under Rule 17. * **C) may steer various courses and vessel "A" must keep clear:** This is incorrect. The stand-on vessel (B) must hold course and speed. Changing course (steering "various courses") would make the passing maneuver extremely dangerous and violates the predictability required by the rules. While Vessel A must indeed keep clear, Vessel B's duty is to facilitate that by being predictable. * **D) should change course to the right:** This is incorrect. Vessel B's primary duty is to maintain her course and speed. Changing course is generally only permissible for the stand-on vessel if collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone (Rule 17(b)), or if she is involved in an immediate danger situation. In a standard overtaking situation, a course change is forbidden.