Question 11 RVR02 - Master of LT 500-1600 GRT

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 both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the 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. This mandatory requirement compels both vessels to change course simultaneously. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **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 is governed by Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel). Initially, only the give-way vessel is required to take action (Rule 15/16). The stand-on vessel is required to keep its course and speed. Only later, when it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action, is the stand-on vessel permitted to take action (Rule 17(a)(ii)). However, the Rules *require* the stand-on vessel to take action **only** when collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone (Rule 17(b)). This action (the stand-on vessel's change of course) is a permissive or emergency requirement for the stand-on vessel, and it happens sequentially, not as a simultaneous requirement imposed on both vessels from the outset of the crossing situation, which is what the question implies by asking "in which situation do the Rules **require** both vessels to change course." Only one vessel is required to change course initially. * **Option C (Two sailing vessels crossing with the wind on the same side):** This situation is covered 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 the windward vessel (the give-way vessel) is initially required to change course. The leeward vessel (the stand-on vessel) is required to keep its course and speed until Rule 17 applies. Therefore, the Rules do not mandate that both vessels change course simultaneously in this scenario. * **Option D (All of the above):** Since options B and C are incorrect, this option is also incorrect.