Question 11 ONC04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (Correct):** A power-driven stand-on vessel is governed by Rule 17 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and corresponding Inland Rules. Rule 17(a)(i) requires the stand-on vessel to "keep her course and speed." This is essential so the give-way vessel can accurately determine the stand-on vessel's movement and execute the required avoidance maneuver. However, Rule 17(b) dictates that the stand-on vessel "may, however, take action to avoid collision by her manoeuvre alone, 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 the stand-on vessel is not required to hold its course and speed right up to the point of collision; it has the right and duty to act defensively if the give-way vessel fails to perform its duty. **Explanation for Other Options (Incorrect):** * **A) required to give-way in a crossing situation:** This is incorrect. The vessel that is required to give-way is the vessel that has the other vessel on its starboard side (the give-way vessel), according to Rule 15 (Crossing Situation). The stand-on vessel is the one required to maintain course and speed. * **C) required to sound the first passing signal in a meeting situation:** This is incorrect. In a meeting situation (Rule 14), both vessels are required to take action (turning to starboard, showing one blast) to pass port-to-port. There is no designated stand-on/give-way hierarchy in a true head-on meeting; both vessels are responsible for initiating the appropriate passing signal/maneuver simultaneously. The stand-on/give-way dynamic applies specifically to crossing situations. * **D) free to maneuver in any crossing or meeting situation as it has the right of way:** This is incorrect. While the vessel has the "right of way" (is the stand-on vessel) in a crossing situation, it is *not* "free to maneuver." It is strictly required to maintain course and speed initially. The freedom to maneuver only arises as a contingency *if and when* the give-way vessel fails to act appropriately (Rule 17(b)).