Question 11 RVR03 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Two power-driven vessels meeting head-on):** Option A describes a meeting situation governed by Rule 14 (Head-on situation) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the Inland Rules. This Rule specifically mandates that when two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or near-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. Because both vessels are required by the Rules to take positive, simultaneous action (altering course to starboard), this is the situation where the Rules require both vessels to change course. **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 involves Rule 17(b) (Action by Stand-on Vessel). Initially, the stand-on vessel is required to maintain course and speed (Rule 17a(i)). If the give-way vessel fails to act, the stand-on vessel may take action (Rule 17b). However, the initial requirement is for the **give-way vessel** (Rule 15) to change course/speed, and the stand-on vessel only *may* take action later. The Rules do not require *both* vessels to change course simultaneously from the outset; the primary duty for the stand-on vessel is to maintain course until the very last moment when action becomes necessary. * **Option C (Two sailing vessels crossing with the wind on the same side):** This situation is governed by Rule 12(a)(ii). 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. Therefore, only the vessel that is to windward is required to change course (the give-way vessel); the vessel to leeward is the stand-on vessel and is required to maintain course and speed (Rule 17a(i)). * **Option D (All of the above):** Since options B and C do not mandate that both vessels change course from the start of the maneuvering situation, this option is incorrect.