Question 38 RVR02 - Master of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for Option A (Hold course and speed):** This scenario is governed by the Inland Rules of Navigation (specifically Rule 13 – Overtaking and Rule 34 – Maneuvering and Warning Signals). 1. **Vessel Being Overtaken:** Vessel "A" is the vessel being overtaken. Under Rule 13(d), the vessel being overtaken must **hold her course and speed**. She must not impede the passage of the overtaking vessel. 2. **The Signal Exchange:** Vessel "B" (the overtaking vessel) initiated the exchange with one short blast, signifying "I intend to overtake you on your starboard side." Vessel "A" (the vessel being overtaken) answered with one short blast, signifying agreement and acknowledging that the proposed maneuver is safe. 3. **The Responsibility:** Once the agreement is made, Vessel "A" is required to maintain her current course and speed to allow the overtaking maneuver to be completed safely, as per the rules. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) Slow your vessel until vessel "B" has passed:** This is incorrect. Altering speed (slowing down) would be changing the vessel's course and speed, which is explicitly forbidden for the vessel being overtaken under Rule 13(d). Changing speed could complicate the maneuver and confuse the overtaking vessel. * **C) Alter course to the left:** This is incorrect. Altering course is forbidden for the vessel being overtaken. Furthermore, altering course to the left (port) would bring Vessel "A" closer to Vessel "B," who is attempting to pass on the starboard side, thereby creating a dangerous situation and impeding the maneuver. * **D) Alter course to the left or right to give vessel "B" more sea room:** This is incorrect. As the vessel being overtaken, Vessel "A" must maintain her course and speed. While it seems helpful to give more room, the rules require predictability. If the vessel being overtaken maneuvers, it defeats the purpose of the agreement signals and is a breach of Rule 13(d).