Question 253 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is A) Vessel "B" is the stand-on vessel because it is to starboard of vessel "A". According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), Rule 15, which governs crossing situations, the vessel that has the other on its starboard side (in this case, vessel "B") is the stand-on vessel and must maintain its course and speed. Vessel "A", being the give-way vessel, must take early and substantial action to avoid a collision. The other answer choices are incorrect because: B) Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel, which contradicts the COLREGS; C) Vessel "A" is not the stand-on vessel just because it is to port; and D) Vessel "A" being the pushing ahead vessel does not make it the stand-on vessel in a crossing situation.