Question 126 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is A) it is a large course change. When taking action to avoid a close-quarters situation, a large course change is often the most effective action, provided that it is done in a timely manner. A large course change allows the vessel to significantly alter its trajectory and increase the distance from the other vessel, reducing the risk of collision. Smaller course changes may not be as effective in creating the necessary distance in a close-quarters situation. The other options are incorrect because: B) the direction of the course change is not as important as the magnitude of the change; C) a succession of small course changes is generally less effective than a single, large course change; and D) the timing of the course change is crucial, but the key factor is the size of the change, not whether it is done too early.