Question 8 ONC03 - Master LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Two power-driven vessels meeting head-on):** Option A is correct according to Rule 14 (Head-on situation) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the corresponding Inland Rules. Rule 14(a) states that when two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision, **each shall alter her course to starboard** so that each may pass on the port side of the other. Since both vessels are required by the Rules to take action (altering course to starboard), this is the situation where both vessels must change course. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **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 is governed by Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel). In a crossing situation (Rule 15), one vessel is the stand-on vessel and must maintain course and speed, and the other is the give-way vessel and must take early and substantial action. The stand-on vessel is only required to take action (change course) when the give-way vessel's lack of action makes a collision imminent, or when it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action (Rule 17(a)(ii) and 17(b)). However, this action is only *required* of the stand-on vessel after the initial requirement for the give-way vessel to act has failed. The Rule does not mandate that both vessels *must* change course simultaneously from the outset; the primary burden remains on the give-way vessel. **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 (Rule 12(a)(i)). Therefore, the vessel to windward is the give-way vessel and must change course, while the vessel to leeward is the stand-on vessel and must initially maintain course and speed. Only one vessel (the windward vessel) is initially required to change course. **D) All of the above:** Since options B and C do not initially require both vessels to change course, this option is incorrect.