Question 1755Navigation General

70% to pass

Which is TRUE on the Western Rivers when a vessel downbound with a following current is meeting an upbound vessel?

A She must wait for a whistle signal from the upbound vessel.
B She does not have the right of way, since the other vessel is not crossing the river.
C She has the right of way only if she is a power-driven vessel.
D She has the right of way only if she has a tow.
AI Explanation

The correct answer is C) She has the right of way only if she is a power-driven vessel. The Western Rivers Navigation Rules state that when two power-driven vessels are meeting on the Western Rivers, the vessel proceeding with the current (the downbound vessel) has the right of way, provided that vessel is a power-driven vessel. This is because the downbound vessel with a following current is at a disadvantage in terms of maneuverability and stopping distance compared to the upbound vessel. The other options are incorrect because A) the upbound vessel does not need to give a whistle signal, B) the crossing rule does not apply in a meeting situation, and D) the right of way is based on the power-driven status of the vessel, not whether it has a tow.

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