Question 9 TV02 - Towing Vessels - Great Lakes and Inland

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for D (Both vessels alter course to starboard):** Rule 14 (Head-on situation) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the Inland Rules governs actions when two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision. This rule states specifically: "each shall alter her course to starboard so that each may pass on the port side of the other." This maneuver is the universally mandated action to ensure a predictable and safe passage when vessels are meeting head-on. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:** * **A) Sound at least five short and rapid blasts:** Five or more short and rapid blasts is the danger signal (Rule 34(d)). This signal is used to indicate doubt or disagreement with another vessel's action or intended action, or when a risk of collision exists and the mandatory action has not been taken. It is a warning, but it is not the required maneuver itself for a head-on situation. * **B) Back down:** While backing down (reversing the engines) is a drastic action used to reduce speed or stop in extreme emergency situations, it is not the primary or required action for a standard head-on meeting. The required action is a course change to starboard to ensure a port-to-port passing. * **C) Both vessels shall stop their engines:** Stopping engines falls under "actions to avoid collision" (Rule 8) and is generally used to allow time to assess the situation (Rule 19(b) for restricted visibility) or to take way off the vessel. However, stopping engines is not the specific, mandatory maneuver required by Rule 14 for the head-on situation; the mandatory requirement is altering course to starboard.