Question 23 ONC06 - Master LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for D (Correct):** Option D, "if the bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change," is the direct quote from Rule 7(d)(i) of both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the Inland Rules. Rule 7 (Risk of Collision) specifically defines the criteria for determining if a risk of collision exists. Maintaining a steady compass bearing to an approaching vessel indicates that if both vessels maintain course and speed, their paths will likely converge at the same point, hence the risk of collision is deemed to exist. **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **A) whenever a vessel crosses ahead of the intended track of another vessel:** While crossing situations often involve risk, simply crossing an *intended* track does not automatically mean risk is *deemed to exist* by the Rules. The steady bearing criterion is the primary determinant. * **B) if one vessel approaches another so as to be overtaking:** Overtaking situations are defined by the approach angle (more than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam), but the existence of an overtaking situation itself does not negate the need to check for steady bearing. A vessel may be overtaking without an immediate risk of collision if the lateral separation is sufficient, but the fundamental determinant for *risk* is the bearing change (or lack thereof). * **C) whenever two vessels approach from opposite directions:** Vessels approaching head-on (opposite directions) are defined as being in a meeting situation (Rule 14), which requires action. However, the Rules state that risk of collision shall be deemed to exist primarily if the bearing is steady, not merely because the vessels are approaching from opposite directions (they could pass safely with great lateral distance).