Question 5 RVR03 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A ### Explanation of Correct Option (A) Option A, "The vessel downbound with a following current," is correct based on the specific rules governing navigation in U.S. Inland Waters, particularly the Western Rivers and the Great Lakes (where a current exists). The Inland Navigation Rules (33 CFR Subchapter E, Part 89 – Inland Rules, specifically Rule 89.24 concerning Western Rivers and waterways specified by the Secretary) dictate a specialized right-of-way procedure when vessels are meeting head-to-head in a narrow channel or river with a current. The fundamental principle is that the vessel that is **downbound with a following current** has the right-of-way and shall propose the manner of passing. Therefore, that vessel is required to sound the first passing signal. This ensures that the vessel with the reduced maneuverability (due to the following current pushing it) controls the encounter, while the upbound vessel (which has better steering control when stemming the current) waits and complies. ### Explanation of Incorrect Options **B) Either vessel** This is incorrect. While in many scenarios in open water, either vessel may initiate a passing signal (especially under International Rules or standard Inland Rules meeting situations), the specific rule for vessels meeting in a current on the Western Rivers/Great Lakes explicitly designates the downbound vessel with the following current as the one required to propose the pass and sound the first signal. **C) The vessel going upstream stemming the current** This is incorrect. The vessel going upstream (upbound) and stemming the current has greater maneuverability and control over its speed. Because the downbound vessel has the right-of-way and less control, the upbound vessel must hold back, wait for the downbound vessel's proposal, and assent to the signal. **D) The vessel that is towing regardless of the current** This is incorrect. While towing vessels often have specific right-of-way considerations in general, the priority rule in this specific scenario (meeting with a current) is based on the direction of travel relative to the current (downbound vs. upbound), not solely on whether a vessel is towing. The downbound vessel with a following current initiates the passing signal, even if the upbound vessel is towing.