Question 231 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is D) Both vessels should alter course to starboard and pass port to port. This is the correct answer because the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) state that when two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, both vessels shall alter course to starboard and pass port to port. This is the standard procedure for vessels meeting head-on in both international and inland waters. The other options are incorrect because: A) Altering course for only one vessel goes against the COLREGS requirement for both vessels to take action; B) Passing starboard to starboard is not the proper procedure for head-on encounters; and C) Relying on whistle signals alone does not satisfy the COLREGS requirement for both vessels to alter course to starboard.