Question 8 OSV01 - Master/Chief Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for A (Two power-driven vessels meeting head-on):** Option A refers to Rule 14 (Head-on situation). This rule explicitly requires both power-driven vessels to take action. Specifically, each vessel must alter her course to starboard so that each may pass on the port side of the other. Because the Rule imposes a specific requirement on *both* vessels to alter course, this is the situation where the Rules require both vessels to change course. **Why the other options are 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 describes a crossing situation (Rule 15) and the application of Rule 17(b) (Action by Stand-on Vessel). Initially, only the give-way vessel is required to change course (Rule 15). Rule 17(b) permits the stand-on vessel to take action when it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not complying. However, this is a *permissive* action by the stand-on vessel, and Rule 17(c) actually prohibits the stand-on vessel from altering course to port for a vessel on her own port side. The primary and mandated action for both vessels is that the give-way vessel acts first, and the stand-on vessel maintains course and speed until collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone. The initial requirement is not for both to change course simultaneously. * **C) Two sailing vessels crossing with the wind on the same side:** This refers to Rule 12(a)(i) (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 one vessel (the vessel to windward, which is the give-way vessel) is required to change course; the other (the leeward vessel, which is the stand-on vessel) must maintain course and speed (Rule 17(a)(i)). * **D) All of the above:** Since options B and C do not require both vessels to change course initially or mandatorily, this option is incorrect.