Question 11 TV02 - Towing Vessels - Great Lakes and Inland

The Correct Answer is B **Why Option B is Correct:** Option B states that the stand-on vessel is "required to maintain course and speed in a crossing situation but may take action to avoid collision." This accurately reflects the responsibilities established by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS Rule 17, which applies to both international and inland waters in the US). 1. **Initial Requirement (Rule 17(a)(i)):** The rule explicitly states that the stand-on vessel shall "keep her course and speed." 2. **Permissive Action (Rule 17(b)):** The stand-on vessel "may however take action to avoid collision by her maneuver alone, as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action." This means the stand-on vessel is not mandated to wait until the last possible moment, allowing proactive measures if the give-way vessel fails to act. **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **A) required to give-way in a crossing situation:** This is the definition and responsibility of the *give-way* vessel (COLREGS Rule 16), not the stand-on vessel. The stand-on vessel is required to *maintain* course and speed initially. * **C) required to sound the first passing signal in a meeting situation:** Passing signals (e.g., one short blast for passing port-to-port) are primarily governed by Inland Rules (Rule 34(a)(i)). While the stand-on vessel may initiate a proposal (especially under Inland Rules), the requirement to sound the *first* signal is not always tied specifically to the stand-on status, and the rules generally require agreement or apply to vessels intending to pass, regardless of which vessel is technically "stand-on" or "give-way" in a meeting situation (where both vessels are technically give-way vessels, required to alter course to starboard, if risk of collision exists). * **D) free to maneuver in any crossing or meeting situation as it has the right of way:** This is dangerous and incorrect. While the stand-on vessel has the initial "right of way" (right to maintain course), it is *not* free to maneuver initially. It is legally obligated to maintain course and speed until the risk of collision is imminent, or until the give-way vessel's failure to act becomes apparent. This option ignores the specific legal responsibilities placed upon the stand-on vessel.