Question 31 RVR04 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Correct):** Option A, "Assist in taking whatever action is necessary to avoid collision," is correct because it directly addresses the "Last Moment Rule" or "Rule 17(b)" of both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and Inland Rules. Rule 17 is generally titled "Action by the Stand-on Vessel." Specifically, Rule 17(a)(ii) states that the stand-on vessel shall keep her course and speed. However, Rule 17(b) is the crucial exception: "The stand-on vessel may take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action." Furthermore, Rule 17(c) dictates that "When, from any cause, the stand-on vessel finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, she shall take such action as will best aid to avoid collision." This means that in the immediate danger of collision, the stand-on vessel is obligated to abandon her privileged status and take joint, necessary, and appropriate avoiding action. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **B) Abandon ship:** This action is extreme and taken only after a collision has occurred or if immediate sinking is certain. It is not the mandated action to **avoid** a collision. * **C) Hold course and speed until the danger of collision is past and clear:** This is the general duty of the stand-on vessel (Rule 17(a)(ii)), but this duty is conditional. Once the danger becomes *immediate* (the "last moment"), maintaining course and speed becomes dangerous, and the vessel must take action to avoid the collision (Rule 17(c)). * **D) Sound a distress signal:** Distress signals (like Mayday) indicate that the vessel is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. While a vessel in immediate danger of collision might theoretically be justified in sounding a short danger or warning signal (e.g., five short blasts), sounding a formal distress signal is usually an action taken after a collision has occurred or when all means of self-help have failed, not the primary mandatory action for actively avoiding an imminent collision under COLREGs/Inland Rules.