Question 11 TV01 - Towing Vessels - Oceans or Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (Correct):** Option B is correct based on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and Inland Rules. A power-driven vessel that is the *stand-on* vessel in a crossing situation (Rule 17a(i)) is primarily required to **keep her course and speed**. However, Rule 17b explicitly states that the stand-on vessel "may however 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 in compliance with these Rules." This upholds the stand-on vessel's duty to avoid a collision, even though its initial primary requirement is to maintain status. **Explanation for Option A (Incorrect):** A power-driven vessel designated as the *stand-on* vessel (the vessel on the starboard side) is **not** required to give-way (keep out of the way) in a crossing situation; that is the responsibility of the *give-way* vessel (the vessel on the port side). **Explanation for Option C (Incorrect):** In a meeting (head-on) situation (Rule 14), **both** power-driven vessels are required to give way (alter course to starboard) to pass port-to-port. There is no designated "stand-on" vessel. Furthermore, passing signals (one short blast for altering course to starboard) are sounded simultaneously or by whichever vessel initiates the maneuver, not necessarily by one designated vessel required to sound the "first" signal. **Explanation for Option D (Incorrect):** While the stand-on vessel generally has the "right of way" (meaning the other vessel must take action), it is emphatically **not** "free to maneuver." It is strictly required to maintain course and speed until collision is imminent. Moreover, Rules 17c and 17d mandate that if collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, the stand-on vessel must take action (a required action, not a freedom) to avoid collision. Navigation rules always prioritize collision avoidance over maintaining strict rights.