Question 243 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is B) Risk of collision must exist. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the Inland Navigation Rules state that a stand-on vessel is only required to take action to avoid collision if a risk of collision exists. This means that the vessels must be on a collision course, and it must be apparent that a collision will occur if no action is taken. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) The distance between the vessels is not a factor in determining if action is required. C) The stand-on vessel is not permitted to take action anytime, as there must be a risk of collision. D) The give-way vessel is not required to act first before the stand-on vessel can take action.