Question 51 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is A) Vessel "A" must keep clear of vessel "B". The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) state that when two power-driven vessels are crossing, the vessel that has the other on her own starboard side must keep out of the way of the other vessel. In the illustration, vessel "A" has vessel "B" on her own starboard side, so vessel "A" must keep clear of vessel "B". The other options are incorrect because: B) The vessels should not pass starboard to starboard, as that would violate the COLREGS rule on crossing vessels. C) Vessel "B" should not alter course to the right, as that would also violate the COLREGS rule. D) Vessel "B" should not pass under the stern of vessel "A", as that would not be the proper action for the give-way vessel (vessel "A") to take.