Question 37 RVR03 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for why D is correct:** This scenario involves two power-driven vessels (since the vessels are under sail but operating in a meeting situation where standard meeting rules apply, and more crucially, the scenario is defined by Rule 18(a)(i) and Rule 14, or sometimes Rule 12, depending on interpretation, but the core rule governing 'meeting' is usually Rule 14 for power vessels, which is often applied analogously to sailing vessels head-on, or Rule 12, which specifically governs sailing vessels). Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 12 (Sailing Vessels), when two sailing vessels are approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision, the one having the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way. However, the provided information states: "You are under sail making 5 knots. The apparent wind is broad on the port beam at 10 knots." * If the apparent wind is on the port beam, the true wind must also be coming generally from the port side (since apparent wind is a combination of true wind and boat speed). * Therefore, **your vessel has the wind on the port side.** Rule 12(a)(i) states: When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, the one which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other. Since your vessel has the wind on the port side, you are the give-way vessel, and **you must keep out of the way of the other vessel.** *(Note: Even if the scenario were interpreted strictly as a head-on meeting (Rule 14), which is less common for pure sailing vessels under Rule 12, Rule 12 still takes precedence for sailing vessel interactions.)* **Explanation of why other options are incorrect:** A) **You are only required to maneuver if collision cannot be avoided by maneuver of the other vessel.** This describes the duty of the stand-on vessel (the other vessel) under Rule 17(b), which requires the stand-on vessel to take action when the give-way vessel (your vessel) is not taking appropriate action and collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel's action alone. This is incorrect because your vessel is the give-way vessel (Rule 12 dictates you must act first). B) **Both vessels must maneuver to avoid collision.** While both vessels ultimately have a duty to avoid collision (Rule 17 and Rule 2), this statement is incorrect as the primary rules of the road (Rule 12) designate one vessel (your vessel) as the give-way vessel, which must take early and substantial action. Mandating simultaneous maneuvers contradicts the principle of assigned responsibility necessary for clear collision avoidance. C) **Only the other vessel must maneuver to avoid collision.** This is incorrect. The other vessel is the stand-on vessel (having the wind on the starboard side or being designated as such by Rule 12), and the stand-on vessel must maintain course and speed unless it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking proper action (Rule 17). The primary responsibility for maneuvering lies with your vessel.