Question 11 RVR04 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Two power-driven vessels meeting head-on):** Option A is correct according to Rule 14 (Head-on situation) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the corresponding Inland Rules. Rule 14 (a) states that when two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly 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. Since both vessels are required by the Rules to take positive action (altering course to starboard), this is the situation where the Rules mandate both vessels to change course. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **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 relates to Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel). Initially, the stand-on vessel is required to keep her course and speed, while the give-way vessel takes action (Rule 15). Only when it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is failing to act (or acting insufficiently) is the stand-on vessel permitted to take action (Rule 17(b)). While both vessels may ultimately change course, the *Rules do not require both vessels to change course simultaneously* from the outset; one vessel (the give-way vessel) is required to act first, and the other (the stand-on vessel) only acts later to avoid collision as a mandatory requirement under Rule 17(a)(ii) and (b). * **C) Two sailing vessels crossing with the wind on the same side:** This situation falls under Rule 12 (Sailing Vessels). When two sailing vessels have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward (the "windward vessel") shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward (the "leeward vessel"). The leeward vessel is the stand-on vessel and must maintain her course and speed. Therefore, only one vessel (the windward vessel) is initially required to change course. * **D) All of the above:** Since options B and C do not initially require both vessels to change course, this option is incorrect.