Question 14 TV03 - Towing Vessels - Western Rivers

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (Correct Answer):** The situation described is a crossing situation under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 15 (Crossing Situation). Since your power-driven vessel is stopped but "making no way," it is still considered a power-driven vessel underway (Rule 3(i)). The other vessel is approaching on your starboard beam. Rule 15 states that when two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way (the give-way vessel). Since the other vessel is on your starboard beam, **your vessel is the give-way vessel**, and must take action to avoid collision. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** **A) You should be showing the lights or shapes for a vessel not under command.** Incorrect. A vessel not under command (NUC, Rule 3(g)) is unable to maneuver as required by the Rules due to some exceptional circumstance (e.g., breakdown). Although your vessel is stopped, it is explicitly stated as *not* being disabled. Since you are capable of maneuvering, you are not NUC and must display the lights/shapes of a normal power-driven vessel underway (or at anchor, but you are not anchored). **C) You should be showing the lights or shapes for a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.** Incorrect. A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver (RAM, Rule 3(h)) is limited by the nature of her work (e.g., dredging, laying cable). Since your vessel is simply stopped and not performing such work, it does not meet the definition of a RAM vessel. **D) The other vessel must give-way since your vessel is stopped.** Incorrect. Being stopped does not automatically confer stand-on status. As a power-driven vessel underway in a crossing situation with the risk of collision, your vessel is the give-way vessel because the other vessel is on your starboard side (Rule 15). The rules do not exempt a power-driven vessel from its give-way obligations simply because it is stopped but still capable of maneuvering.