Question 8 TV02 - Towing Vessels - Great Lakes and Inland

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation of Option A (Correct):** Option A describes a head-on situation between two power-driven vessels, which is governed by Rule 14 (Head-on situation) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the corresponding Inland Rules. Rule 14 (c) states: "When a power-driven vessel is in doubt as to whether such a situation exists she shall assume that it does exist and act accordingly." Rule 14 (a) states: "When two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision each shall alter her course to starboard so that each may pass on the port side of the other." Therefore, in a true head-on situation, the Rules mandate that **both vessels** (each) must alter course (to starboard). This is the only scenario listed where the initial requirement of the Rules demands a change of course from both vessels simultaneously. **Explanation of Other Options (Incorrect):** * **Option B (Two power-driven vessels crossing when it is apparent to the stand-on vessel that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action):** This scenario is governed by Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel). Initially, only the give-way vessel (Rule 15) is required to take action. The stand-on vessel only takes action (changes course) after it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action (Rule 17(b)), or when collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel's action alone (Rule 17(a)(ii)). The initial requirement is for **one vessel** (the give-way vessel) to change course; the stand-on vessel's action is delayed and conditional. * **Option C (Two sailing vessels crossing with the wind on the same side):** This situation is governed by Rule 12 (Sailing Vessels). When two sailing vessels have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward must keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward. In this rule, only **one vessel** (the windward vessel, which is the give-way vessel) is initially required to change course; the other vessel is the stand-on vessel. * **Option D (All of the above):** Since options B and C do not initially require both vessels to change course, this option is incorrect.