Question 226 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is C) maneuver to ensure a port to port passing. This is because in a head-on situation, as described in the scenario, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) Rule 14 states that both vessels should alter course to starboard to ensure a port-to-port passing. This is the safest and most recognized procedure for vessels approaching each other head-on. The other options are incorrect because: A) maintaining course would not resolve the head-on situation, B) altering course to port would create an unsafe starboard-to-starboard passing, and D) altering course to starboard would also create an unsafe starboard-to-starboard passing, which is not the recommended action.