Question 11 RVR01 - Master of Unlimited Tonnage

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. Because the rule explicitly requires **both vessels** to change course (to starboard), this situation requires both vessels to take action simultaneously. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** **Option 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 refers to Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel). Initially, only the give-way vessel is required to change course (Rule 15). The stand-on vessel is required to keep its course and speed. The stand-on vessel *may* take action when it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action (Rule 17(a)(ii)), and *shall* take action when collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone (Rule 17(b)). While this situation eventually *may* involve both vessels changing course, the Rules initially require only one vessel (the give-way) to act, and the stand-on vessel only intervenes later due to necessity, not as a primary, simultaneous mandate as required in a head-on situation. **Option 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 one vessel (the vessel to windward, which is the give-way vessel) is initially required to change course; the leeward vessel is the stand-on vessel. The Rules do not require both to change course simultaneously. **Option D (All of the above):** Since options B and C do not mandate that both vessels change course simultaneously from the outset, D is incorrect.