Question 233 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is D) alter course to starboard. This is the correct action to take when two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on and there is a risk of collision, as per the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). The COLREGS require that when two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, each vessel shall alter course to starboard, so that they may pass on the port side of the other. The other options are incorrect because stopping the engines (A) or backing down (B) would not resolve the head-on situation, and sounding the danger signal (C) is not the primary action required - altering course is the key maneuver to avoid the collision.