Question 209 Rules of the Road

90% to pass

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are the watch officer on a power-driven vessel and notice a large sailing vessel approaching from astern. Which action should you take?

A slow down
B sound one short blast and change course to starboard
C sound two short blasts and change course to port
D hold your course and speed
AI Explanation

The correct answer is D) hold your course and speed. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the Inland Navigation Rules, in a crossing situation where a power-driven vessel is overtaking a sailing vessel from astern, the power-driven vessel is the stand-on vessel and should maintain its course and speed. The sailing vessel is the give-way vessel and must take action to avoid a collision, such as altering course or reducing speed. The other options are incorrect because slowing down (A) or changing course (B, C) would be the responsibility of the give-way vessel (the sailing vessel), not the stand-on vessel (the power-driven vessel).

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Official Resources
USCG Navigation Rules (COLREGS) 33 CFR Navigation Rules USCG Navigation Center
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