Question 23 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is D) when they are the overtaking vessel. This is correct because the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the Inland Navigation Rules state that the overtaking vessel, regardless of whether it is a sailing vessel or a power-driven vessel, is the give-way vessel and must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. This applies in both international and inland waters. The other answer choices are incorrect because sailing vessels are generally considered the stand-on vessel over power-driven vessels in meeting and crossing situations, except when they are the overtaking vessel.