Question 40 RVR01 - Master of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is D 1. **Why option D ("The vessel moving downstream with a following current") is correct:** This scenario is governed by the Inland Rules of the Road (specifically Rule 9(a)(ii) and Rule 18(d)(i) for narrow channels and descending/ascending vessels on the Western Rivers). On the Western Rivers, a power-driven vessel descending a river (moving downstream) with a following current is designated as the **stand-on** vessel and is required to hold its course and speed. The vessel moving upstream against the current (the ascending vessel) is designated as the **give-way** vessel and must propose the manner of passage, usually by sounding the first whistle signal, and is responsible for maneuvering to ensure safe passage. Therefore, the vessel moving downstream (D) has the right of way. 2. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) The vessel located more towards the channel centerline:** While vessels must generally keep near the outside limit of the narrow channel on their starboard side, the relative position to the centerline does not determine the right of way in a meeting situation on the Western Rivers; the direction of travel relative to the current does. * **B) The vessel sounding the first whistle signal:** The whistle signal merely proposes a meeting arrangement. On the Western Rivers, the vessel moving upstream (the ascending vessel) is actually required to sound the initial signal, but this vessel is the **give-way** vessel and does *not* have the right of way. The right of way is assigned based on the current (to the downstream vessel). * **C) The vessel moving upstream against the current:** This vessel (the ascending vessel) is the **give-way** vessel and is required to propose the passing arrangement and keep out of the way of the vessel moving downstream (the stand-on vessel).