Question 173 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is C) sound one short blast and maintain course and speed. According to the Inland Navigation Rules, when two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel that has the other on her own starboard side shall alter course to avoid collision (Rule 15). In this scenario, vessel "A" is the give-way vessel and has sounded one short blast to indicate that she intends to alter course to starboard. Vessel "B", the stand-on vessel, should respond by sounding one short blast to acknowledge the intended action and maintain her course and speed. The other options are incorrect because: A) sounding the danger signal and slowing down is not the appropriate response for the stand-on vessel; B) the stand-on vessel should acknowledge the give-way vessel's intentions; and D) altering course or slowing down is the responsibility of the give-way vessel, not the stand-on vessel.