Question 23 TV01 - Towing Vessels - Oceans or Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for D (Correct Answer):** Option D, "if the bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change," is the direct quote from Rule 7(d)(i) of both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the corresponding Inland Rules. Rule 7 governs Risk of Collision. Specifically, Rule 7(d) states that assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, and Rule 7(d)(i) defines the precise situation in which risk of collision **shall be deemed to exist**: "if the bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change." This is the primary and definitive criterion used by mariners to establish risk. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** * **A) whenever a vessel crosses ahead of the intended track of another vessel:** While crossing situations often lead to risk of collision, this statement is too general and not the rule's primary criterion. A vessel crossing ahead might be far enough away that the risk is negligible, or the bearing might be changing rapidly, indicating no danger. * **B) if one vessel approaches another so as to be overtaking:** Overtaking situations (defined under Rule 13) are a type of risk situation, but the **definition** of when risk is deemed to exist applies universally to all situations (crossing, head-on, or overtaking). Furthermore, in an overtaking situation, the bearing of the overtaken vessel (the one behind) *will* change relative to the vessel being overtaken as it maneuvers to pass. The criterion in Rule 7(d)(i) is the universal indicator for risk, not merely a description of one type of encounter. * **C) whenever two vessels approach from opposite directions:** This describes a head-on situation (Rule 14), which is a high-risk scenario. However, similar to option B, this describes only one type of encounter. If the vessels are miles apart, there is no immediate risk of collision, even if approaching from opposite directions. The definitive criterion for risk is always whether the bearing is steady (Option D).