Question 11 ONC03 - Master LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation of Option B (Correct):** A power-driven stand-on vessel is governed by Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel) of both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the Inland Rules. This rule dictates the following: 1. **Requirement to Stand On:** The stand-on vessel must, as far as possible, **maintain its course and speed** (Rule 17(a)(i)). This is crucial so that the give-way vessel can accurately determine the stand-on vessel's future position and take appropriate avoiding action. 2. **Permitted Action to Avoid Collision (The "May Take Action" Clause):** The stand-on vessel is not relieved of its obligation to act if collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone. Rule 17(b) states that the stand-on vessel "may therefore take such action as will best aid to avoid collision, as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action in compliance with these Rules." This means they must wait until the last safe moment, but they are empowered (and eventually required, under 17(c)) to act if the danger persists. Therefore, the stand-on vessel is primarily required to maintain course and speed but is authorized to take action to avoid collision if the give-way vessel fails to act. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **A) required to give-way in a crossing situation** * **Incorrect:** The vessel described is the **stand-on** vessel. By definition (Rule 15), the stand-on vessel is the vessel that holds its course and speed, while the other vessel (the give-way vessel) is required to give way. **C) required to sound the first passing signal in a meeting situation** * **Incorrect:** Passing signals (whistle blasts) are only sounded when action is taken to alter course. In a meeting situation (Rule 14), both vessels are required to alter course to starboard to pass port-to-port. There is no requirement for one vessel to sound the "first" passing signal; action is taken and signals are sounded simultaneously or nearly simultaneously upon taking the action. Furthermore, whistle signals related to passing/meeting situations are only mandatory under the Inland Rules, not the International Rules (COLREGS), which makes this statement false for the "BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND" context. **D) free to maneuver in any crossing or meeting situation as it has the right of way** * **Incorrect:** No vessel is "free to maneuver" when involved in a close-quarters situation, even if it is the stand-on vessel. The stand-on vessel is strictly required to maintain course and speed until collision cannot be avoided by the other vessel alone (Rule 17). Unnecessary maneuvering by the stand-on vessel would confuse the give-way vessel and is a violation of the Rules.