Question 32 RVR03 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (Correct):** Option D, "When the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action to avoid collision," is the correct answer according to both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the Inland Rules. This principle is codified in **Rule 17(a)(ii)** (Duties of the Stand-on Vessel), which states: > "The stand-on vessel may, however, take action to avoid collision by her manoeuvre alone, **as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action** in compliance with these Rules." This rule gives the stand-on vessel the discretionary right (may) to act early—before a situation becomes critical—when it recognizes that the give-way vessel is failing in its primary duty. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) The stand-on vessel is never allowed to take action:** This is incorrect. Rule 17 specifically outlines when and how the stand-on vessel must or may act (Rule 17(a)(ii) and 17(b)). * **B) When the two vessels are less than half a mile from each other:** This criterion is not a fixed trigger for the stand-on vessel's discretionary action. While distance is a factor in determining risk of collision (Rule 7) and defining close-quarters situations, the trigger for the stand-on vessel's optional action (Rule 17(a)(ii)) is the *failure of the give-way vessel to act*, not a specific distance. * **C) When collision is imminent:** This refers to the stand-on vessel's *mandatory* requirement to act. **Rule 17(b)** states that the stand-on vessel **shall** take action "if and when collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone." By the time collision is imminent, the stand-on vessel is *required* to act, not just *allowed*. The question asks when the stand-on vessel is **FIRST allowed** to take action, which occurs earlier under Rule 17(a)(ii) (Option D) when the failure of the other vessel becomes apparent.