Question 21 TV02 - Towing Vessels - Great Lakes and Inland

The Correct Answer is C 1. **Why option C ("not result in another close-quarters situation") is correct:** This requirement is a fundamental principle mandated by Rule 8(d) of both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the Inland Rules. Rule 8(d) states: "Action taken to avoid collision shall be positive, shall be made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship and shall, if necessary, involve a substantial alteration in course and/or speed. A change of course and/or speed shall be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or by radar; **and shall avoid passing unnecessarily close and avoid resulting in another close-quarters situation.**" Therefore, ensuring the action does not create a new close-quarters situation is a mandatory requirement. 2. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) include a speed change:** While a change of speed is often effective and may be necessary, Rule 8(d) specifies that action must involve a substantial alteration in course **and/or** speed. This means that a substantial change in course *alone* (without a change in speed) can be sufficient and appropriate, provided it meets all other requirements of the rule. It is not mandatory to *always* include a speed change. * **B) be accompanied by sound signals:** Sound signals (whistle blasts) are required only when an alteration in course or speed is being made and the vessels are in sight of one another (Rules 34 and 35). While signals are often required, the action itself (the maneuver) does not *always* have to be accompanied by a sound signal. For example, if a vessel takes early, substantial avoiding action far from the other vessel, the required signal is only given once the maneuver is made, but the Rule 8 requirements for safe action exist whether or not signals are required or given. More importantly, the action taken to avoid collision (the maneuver itself) is not defined by the requirement to signal; the maneuver must be safe (C) regardless of whether signaling is required by other rules. * **D) All of the above:** Since options A and B are not mandatory requirements for *every* avoiding action, this option is incorrect.