Question 40 RVR03 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is D 1. **Why option D ("The vessel moving downstream with a following current") is correct:** This scenario is governed by the Inland Rules of the Road (specifically, the rules relating to the Western Rivers, which are a subset of the Inland Rules). Rule 9(a)(ii) and the associated pilot rules for the Western Rivers address meeting situations in narrow channels, especially when current is involved. The established rule of prudence and pilot rule practice on the Western Rivers dictates that the vessel proceeding **downstream (with the current)** has the right of way and is considered the "privileged" vessel. The vessel proceeding downstream initiates the passing signal, and the vessel proceeding upstream (against the current) is required to hold back, stop, or adjust course as necessary to allow the downstream vessel to pass safely. The rationale is that the vessel with the current has less maneuverability and requires greater space and time to stop or slow down. 2. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) The vessel located more towards the channel centerline:** While both vessels should stay to the right of the centerline, proximity to the centerline does not determine the right-of-way in a meeting situation involving current on the Western Rivers. The determining factor is the direction of the current/flow. * **B) The vessel sounding the first whistle signal:** The sequence of whistle signals confirms the agreement on the passing arrangement; it does not assign the initial right-of-way. On the Western Rivers, the vessel proceeding downstream (the privileged vessel) is required to sound the proposal signal first. If the upstream vessel initiates the signal, they are violating the requirement that the downstream vessel proposes the maneuver. Therefore, simply sounding the first signal does not grant the right-of-way. * **C) The vessel moving upstream against the current:** This vessel is the "burdened" or "holding back" vessel in this scenario. Because it is moving against the current, it has better control, greater maneuverability, and can stop or slow down more easily than the downstream vessel. Therefore, it does not have the right of way.