Question 266 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is D) When the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action to avoid collision. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) state that a stand-on vessel is only allowed to take action to avoid collision when it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. This is outlined in Rule 17 of the COLREGS. The stand-on vessel should not take action until it is clear the give-way vessel is not fulfilling its obligation to maneuver to avoid the collision. The other options are incorrect because A) a stand-on vessel should not wait until collision is imminent, B) the stand-on vessel is allowed to take action in certain circumstances, and C) the distance between the vessels is not the determining factor for when the stand-on vessel can act.