Question 9 UFV02 - Mate - Uninspected Fishing Vessels

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (Both vessels alter course to starboard):** This situation is governed by Rule 14 (Head-on Situation) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which applies to both international and inland waters (often incorporated or mirrored in local inland rules). Rule 14(a) states: > "When two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision each shall alter her course to starboard so that each may pass on the port side of the other." Therefore, the required action when two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on and there is a risk of collision is for **both vessels** to alter course to starboard. This ensures a predictable, unambiguous, and safe passing arrangement (port-to-port). **Explanation of why other options are incorrect:** * **A) Sound at least five short and rapid blasts:** Five or more short and rapid blasts is the danger or doubt signal (Rule 34(d)). While this signal is used when a vessel doubts the action or intent of the other, it is **not** the action required to resolve a head-on situation. The action required is altering course to starboard. * **B) Back down:** Backing down (reversing engines) is an extreme and often inefficient maneuver used to stop headway, typically employed as a last resort or in very confined spaces. It is not the prescribed action for resolving a standard head-on risk of collision, which requires a positive course change (Rule 14). * **C) Both vessels shall stop their engines:** While stopping engines might be part of an overall action to reduce speed (Rule 8 – Action to Avoid Collision, and Rule 19 – Restricted Visibility, though not applicable here), Rule 14 requires a definitive maneuver (altering course to starboard) to resolve the situation and ensure the vessels pass clear of each other. Simply stopping the engines does not fulfill the requirement of Rule 14.