Question 11 TV03 - Towing Vessels - Western Rivers

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for A (Two power-driven vessels meeting head-on):** Option A refers to Rule 14 (Head-on situation) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and Inland Rules. When two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision, **each vessel shall alter her course to starboard** so that each may pass on the port side of the other. This scenario explicitly requires both vessels to change course simultaneously. **Explanation for 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 situation falls under Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel). In a crossing situation (Rule 15), one vessel is designated the give-way vessel and the other the stand-on vessel. The initial requirement is that only the give-way vessel changes course. However, Rule 17(b) permits the stand-on vessel to take action to avoid collision when it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. Importantly, Rule 17(c) states that if the stand-on vessel chooses to alter course, she shall not alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side. While this scenario allows the stand-on vessel to change course, **it does not *require* both vessels to change course**; the give-way vessel is already required to change course (Rule 15), and the stand-on vessel is only *permitted* to do so under certain conditions. The initial mandatory requirement rests solely on the give-way vessel. **Explanation for C (Two sailing vessels crossing with the wind on the same side):** This situation falls under Rule 12(a)(i) (Sailing Vessels). When two sailing vessels have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward. Only the vessel to windward (the give-way vessel) is required to change course; the vessel to leeward (the stand-on vessel) is required to maintain course and speed until Rule 17(b) applies. This does not mandate both vessels to change course. **Explanation for D (All of the above):** Since options B and C do not mandate both vessels to change course simultaneously from the outset, D is incorrect.