Question 37 RVR04 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for D (Correct Answer):** Option D is correct because this scenario is governed by Rule 14 (Head-on Situation) of the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea). 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. *However*, the vessels described in the question are **sailing vessels**. Rule 12 (Sailing Vessels) governs how they interact. * Rule 12(a)(i) states that when two sailing vessels are approaching one another, the vessel which has the wind on her port side shall keep out of the way of the other. The problem states your vessel has the apparent wind **broad on the port beam**. This means your vessel is sailing with the wind on the **port side**. The other vessel is dead ahead on a meeting course, meaning it must have the wind either on its starboard side or be sailing downwind (running free). In any case, because your vessel clearly has the wind on the port side, you are the burdened vessel under Rule 12(a)(i). Therefore, **you must keep out of the way of the other vessel.** *(Note: Although the general definition of a head-on situation might suggest Rule 14, Rule 12 specifically dictates the priority interaction between two sailing vessels.)* **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) You are only required to maneuver if collision cannot be avoided by maneuver of the other vessel.** This is the definition of the duty of the stand-on vessel (Rule 17(b)). Since your vessel is the burdened vessel (must keep out of the way) under Rule 12(a)(i), this option incorrectly assigns you the role of the stand-on vessel. * **B) Both vessels must maneuver to avoid collision.** This is generally true for vessels in a head-on situation (Rule 14) or for power-driven vessels in a crossing situation where the stand-on vessel takes action (Rule 17(b)), but in a clear sailing vessel interaction governed by Rule 12, one vessel is designated as the burdened vessel (required to act first and substantially). Stating both must maneuver immediately ignores the established hierarchy of Rule 12. * **C) Only the other vessel must maneuver to avoid collision.** This would be true if the other vessel had the wind on its port side (making it the burdened vessel) and your vessel was the stand-on vessel. However, since your vessel has the wind on the port side, the other vessel is the stand-on vessel, and this option is incorrect.