Question 32 RVR04 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is D **Why option D ("When the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action to avoid collision") is correct:** Option D is correct based on Rule 17(b) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which is mirrored in the Inland Rules. Rule 17 governs the actions of the stand-on vessel. Specifically, Rule 17(b) states: > "The stand-on vessel may take action to avoid collision by her manoeuvre alone, as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action in compliance with these Rules." This rule grants the stand-on vessel the *option* (the allowance) to act immediately when they perceive the give-way vessel is failing to perform its duty. This point often occurs much earlier than when the situation becomes "imminent" (Option C). **Why the other options are incorrect:** **A) The stand-on vessel is never allowed to take action** This is incorrect. Rule 17 clearly defines two circumstances when the stand-on vessel is allowed (Rule 17(b)) or required (Rule 17(a)(ii) and 17(c)) to take action to avoid collision. **B) When the two vessels are less than half a mile from each other** This is incorrect. Distance alone is not the determining factor for when the stand-on vessel is first allowed to act. While collision avoidance procedures generally begin at long range, the specific trigger for the stand-on vessel's optional action (Rule 17(b)) is based on the perceived failure of the give-way vessel, regardless of a fixed distance measurement. **C) When collision is imminent** This is incorrect. Rule 17(c) states that the stand-on vessel *shall* (is required to) take action when collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone (i.e., when collision is imminent). However, the question asks when the stand-on vessel is **FIRST allowed** to take action. This allowance is granted earlier under Rule 17(b) (Option D)—when the give-way vessel's failure is apparent—before the situation has deteriorated to the point of being "imminent" (Rule 17(c)).