Question 23 UFV01 - Master - Uninspected Fishing Vessels

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (Correct):** Option D ("if the bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change") is the specific condition codified in Rule 7(b) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) for determining when risk of collision shall be deemed to exist. A steady bearing, regardless of the vessel's range, means the two vessels are on a collision course. This is the primary and most important criterion used by mariners to assess risk. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** * **A) whenever a vessel crosses ahead of the intended track of another vessel:** While crossing situations are dangerous and require adherence to rules (like Rule 15), merely crossing an intended track does not automatically mean risk of collision exists unless the bearing is steady or the proximity is close. The Rules define risk based on bearing stability, not solely on maneuvering across a track line. * **B) if one vessel approaches another so as to be overtaking:** Overtaking situations (Rule 13) are defined by the approaching angle, but the specific legal threshold for deeming risk of collision still relies on the criteria in Rule 7, including bearing stability or approaching proximity. An overtaking vessel must take action, but the rule for *deeming* risk applies generally, not just to this specific relationship. * **C) whenever two vessels approach from opposite directions:** Head-on situations (Rule 14) are highly dangerous, but like other scenarios, Rule 7 defines the existence of risk. If two vessels are approaching head-on but are sufficiently offset (i.e., the bearing is clearly changing), risk of collision might not technically be deemed to exist under Rule 7(b) until that bearing stabilizes or proximity is close.