Question 187 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is A) The vessel which is to starboard of the other vessel. This is the correct answer because the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) state that when two power-driven vessels are crossing, the vessel which has the other on its own starboard side is the stand-on vessel and must maintain its course and speed. The vessel which is to port of the other vessel is the give-way vessel and must take early and substantial action to avoid a collision. The other options are incorrect because the relative size of the vessels, which vessel sounds the first whistle signal, or which vessel is to port are not the determining factors in this situation. The COLREGS prioritize the relative positions of the vessels, with the starboard side vessel having the right-of-way.