Question 205 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is B) when the sailing vessel is overtaking. The reason this is the correct answer is that according to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the Inland Navigation Rules, power-driven vessels must keep out of the way of sailing vessels, except when the sailing vessel is overtaking the power-driven vessel. In this case, the power-driven vessel maintains its course and speed, and the sailing vessel is responsible for passing safely. The other options are incorrect because: A) in a crossing situation, the power-driven vessel must still yield to the sailing vessel; C) the relative speed of the vessels does not affect the requirement for the power-driven vessel to keep out of the way; and D) the rule applies to both international and inland waters, not just the Inland Waters of the United States.