Question 8 ONC05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation of Option A (Correct):** Option A describes a head-on situation between two power-driven vessels, governed by Rule 14 (Head-on Situation). Rule 14(a) mandates that when two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision, **each vessel shall alter her course to starboard** so that each may pass on the port side of the other. Because the rule explicitly requires *each vessel* to take action simultaneously, this is the situation where the Rules require **both** vessels to change course. **Explanation of Other Options (Incorrect):** * **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 15 (Crossing Situation) and Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel). Initially, only the give-way vessel is required to take early and substantial action (change course/speed). While Rule 17(b) allows the stand-on vessel to take action (change course) when it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action, and Rule 17(c) requires the stand-on vessel to take action when collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, the initial requirement is for the stand-on vessel to *maintain* course and speed (Rule 17(a)(i)). The requirement for **both** vessels to change course simultaneously is not mandated from the outset, nor is it guaranteed that both will change course (the give-way vessel might initially take action before the stand-on vessel has to intervene). * **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. Only the vessel to windward is the give-way vessel, and the vessel to leeward is the stand-on vessel. Therefore, only one vessel is initially required to change course; the stand-on vessel must maintain course and speed. * **D) All of the above:** Since options B and C do not initially or strictly require both vessels to change course, this option is incorrect.