Question 32 RVR01 - Master of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (Correct Answer):** Option D, "When the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action to avoid collision," is the correct answer based on Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel) of both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and Inland Rules. Rule 17(a)(ii) states: "The stand-on vessel **may** take action to avoid collision by her maneuver 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 rule grants the stand-on vessel permission (the use of "may") to initiate action when the failure of the give-way vessel's obligation becomes apparent, which is often before the situation becomes an immediate emergency. **Explanation of Why Other Options Are Incorrect:** * **A) The stand-on vessel is never allowed to take action:** This is incorrect. COLREGs Rule 17 explicitly mandates that the stand-on vessel must take action when collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone (Rule 17(b)), and it permits action earlier (Rule 17(a)(ii)). * **B) When the two vessels are less than half a mile from each other:** This is incorrect. COLREGs and Inland Rules do not define a specific distance (like half a mile) for when the stand-on vessel is *first* permitted to act. The permission is based on the apparent failure of the give-way vessel's action, not a fixed range. * **C) When collision is imminent:** This refers to the situation described in Rule 17(b) ("When, from any cause, the stand-on vessel finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, she **shall** take such action as will best aid to avoid collision."). While the stand-on vessel *must* take action when collision is imminent, Rule 17(a)(ii) allows (and encourages) the stand-on vessel to take action earlier, when the failure of the give-way vessel becomes *apparent*. Therefore, "imminent collision" is the *latest* required action, not the *first allowed* action.