Question 11 UFV01 - Master - Uninspected Fishing Vessels

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (Correct):** Option B is correct based on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and Inland Rules. A power-driven stand-on vessel (the vessel that has the right of way) is governed primarily by Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel). * **Requirement to Maintain Course and Speed (Rule 17(a)(i)):** The stand-on vessel is initially required to keep its course and speed. This predictability is crucial so the give-way vessel (which is required to take early and substantial action) knows what to expect. * **Permission to Take Action (Rule 17(b)):** However, Rule 17(b) states that the stand-on vessel "may" take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action. This prevents the stand-on vessel from adhering blindly to the rule and ending up in a collision. **Explanation of Why Other Options Are Incorrect:** * **A) required to give-way in a crossing situation:** This is the definition of the **give-way** vessel (the burdened vessel), not the stand-on vessel (the privileged vessel). The stand-on vessel is required to *maintain* course and speed initially. * **C) required to sound the first passing signal in a meeting situation:** In a meeting situation (head-on), both power-driven vessels are typically stand-on vessels relative to each other (Rule 14 requires both to alter course to starboard). Furthermore, neither vessel is *required* to sound the first passing signal; the signals (one short blast for altering course to starboard) are sounded simultaneously with the maneuver, and the vessel altering course is the one sounding the signal. COLREGs typically require signaling *only* when the maneuver is executed, not as a precondition to maneuvering. * **D) free to maneuver in any crossing or meeting situation as it has the right of way:** This is dangerously incorrect. Having the "right of way" does not equate to being "free to maneuver." The stand-on vessel is strictly constrained by Rule 17 (must maintain course and speed initially) and Rule 2 (responsibility), which requires every vessel to take any action necessary to avoid collision, even if they are the stand-on vessel. Unrestricted maneuvering would lead to unpredictable actions and increased risk of collision.