Question 47 TV03 - Towing Vessels - Western Rivers

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (a risk of collision exists) being correct:** The scenario described—an approaching vessel whose compass bearing (relative bearing) is **not changing**—is the primary and most important criterion defined in both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) Rule 7(a)(i) and the Inland Rules equivalent for determining the existence of a **risk of collision**. If the bearing remains constant while the range decreases, the two vessels are on a collision course. Therefore, a risk of collision exists. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:** * **A) a special circumstances situation exists:** While a risk of collision often leads to actions taken under the rules, the specific definition of a "special circumstances" situation (Rule 2) generally refers to situations where departing from the standard rules is necessary to avoid immediate danger (e.g., assisting a disabled vessel, emergency maneuvers). A constant bearing, decreasing range, only indicates a collision course, not necessarily that the situation requires deviation from the standard meeting, crossing, or overtaking rules. * **B) you are the stand-on vessel:** The risk of collision criterion (constant bearing, decreasing range) applies equally to all vessels involved, regardless of which vessel is the "stand-on" (required to maintain course and speed) or the "give-way" (required to take early and substantial action to keep clear). Determining stand-on status requires identifying the nature of the encounter (crossing, meeting, or overtaking), which is not provided in the prompt. * **C) the other vessel is dead in the water:** If the other vessel were dead in the water, your compass bearing to it would still likely change as your vessel moved, unless your vessel was heading directly towards it or away from it. More importantly, this observation (constant bearing, decreasing range) is a navigational rule used to determine collision risk regardless of whether the other vessel is moving or stopped.