Question 31 TV03 - Towing Vessels - Western Rivers

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Correct):** Option A is correct because it directly reflects the principle of the "general Prudential Rule" (Rule 2) within the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which applies to both International and Inland waters. Specifically, Rule 17(b) states that when, from any cause, the stand-on vessel finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, she **shall** take such action as will best aid to avoid collision. This mandatory action means the stand-on vessel must transition from holding course to actively assisting in the maneuver to prevent a collision when the situation has become critical ("immediate danger"). **Explanation for Other Options (Incorrect):** * **B) Abandon ship:** This is an extreme measure taken only after a catastrophic event or imminent sinking, not a standard action required for preventing a collision, even when danger is immediate. * **C) Hold course and speed until the danger of collision is past and clear:** While holding course and speed is the **primary** duty of the stand-on vessel (Rule 17(a)), this duty ceases when a collision cannot be avoided by the other vessel's action alone (Rule 17(b)). When the danger is "immediate," continuing to hold course would violate the Prudential Rule and lead to a collision. * **D) Sound a distress signal:** A distress signal (such as a Mayday call) is used to indicate that a vessel and/or persons are in grave and imminent danger and require immediate assistance. While the situation is dangerous, sounding a distress signal is not the prescribed **maneuvering action** required by the regulations to actively prevent the collision from occurring. The first mandatory action is maneuvering to avoid the immediate danger (Option A).