Question 37 RVR01 - Master of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is D **Why option D ("You must keep out of the way of the other vessel.") is correct:** This scenario describes two power-driven vessels meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses ("dead ahead on a meeting course"). However, the key information is that both vessels are *sailing vessels*. According to Rule 14 (Head-on situation) of the COLREGs (both International and Inland): 1. When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, the Rules for Sailing Vessels (Rule 12) take precedence over the Head-on Rule (Rule 14). 2. Rule 12(a)(i) states that when two sailing vessels have the wind on different sides, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way. The problem states: "You are under sail... The apparent wind is broad on the **port beam**". * If the wind is on your port beam, the wind is coming from your port side. Therefore, **you are the vessel with the wind on the port side.** Since you have the wind on the port side, Rule 12(a)(i) dictates that **you must keep out of the way** of the other sailing vessel. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) You are only required to maneuver if collision cannot be avoided by maneuver of the other vessel.** (Incorrect) This statement applies to the stand-on vessel (Rule 17(b)), or it describes the General Prudential Rule (Rule 17(a)(ii)) concerning taking action to avoid collision when the stand-on vessel realizes the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. Since you are the give-way vessel (wind on port side), you have the initial and primary duty to maneuver (Rule 16). * **B) Both vessels must maneuver to avoid collision.** (Incorrect) While prudence dictates both vessels should take steps if collision is imminent (Rule 17(b) and Rule 2), the COLREGs explicitly assign a specific stand-on vessel and a specific give-way vessel in a crossing or meeting situation between two sailing vessels. Based on Rule 12, you are the give-way vessel, and the other vessel is the stand-on vessel (though the stand-on vessel has duties under Rule 17). * **C) Only the other vessel must maneuver to avoid collision.** (Incorrect) This is the opposite of the legal requirement. The other vessel is the stand-on vessel (wind on starboard, or wind on port but you are wind on port), meaning they have the right-of-way and the initial duty to maintain course and speed (Rule 17(a)(i)). You are the vessel required to maneuver.