Question 40 RVR05 - Master of LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is D 1. **Why option D ("The vessel moving downstream with a following current") is correct:** This scenario takes place on the Western Rivers, which are governed by specific Inland Navigation Rules (often referred to as the Western Rivers Rules) and local customs. Rule 9(a)(i) of the Inland Rules (Applicability of Rules to Western Rivers) and the common practice codified in the Western Rivers Rules regarding vessels meeting state that a power-driven vessel descending a river (moving downstream, usually with a following current) must propose the manner of passage. Because the descending vessel is usually harder to maneuver and stop due to the current assisting its movement, it is considered the "privileged" vessel regarding the proposal of passage, and the ascending vessel (moving upstream, against the current) is required to hold course and speed until the descending vessel proposes a meeting or passing arrangement. Therefore, the vessel moving downstream with the following current essentially dictates the movement and has the effective "right of way" in proposing the maneuver. 2. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) The vessel located more towards the channel centerline:** Vessel position relative to the centerline is secondary to the direction of travel and the current on the Western Rivers. Both vessels are usually expected to stay to the right of the center, but the descending vessel's difficulty in maneuvering is the primary factor determining the right of way/privilege to propose passage. * **B) The vessel sounding the first whistle signal:** While whistle signals are mandatory for proposing passage, the vessel *required* to initiate the signal is the one moving downstream (the privileged vessel). Simply sounding the first signal does not grant the right of way; rather, the downstream vessel sounds the signal *because* it holds the maneuvering privilege. If the upstream vessel improperly sounds the signal first, it is violating the rule. * **C) The vessel moving upstream against the current:** The vessel moving upstream is considered the "burdened" or "holding" vessel in this scenario. Because it has better maneuverability (the current acts as a braking force) and is often moving slower, it is required to hold its position and speed until the descending vessel (D) proposes the passage.