Question 63 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is D) You cannot impede the passage of the cargo vessel. This is because in a narrow channel, the larger, less maneuverable vessel (the cargo vessel) is the stand-on vessel, and the smaller vessel (your 15-meter vessel) must avoid impeding the passage of the cargo vessel. This is a general principle of the Navigation Rules, which states that a vessel must not impede the safe passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway. The other options are incorrect because: A) the size of the vessel does not determine the stand-on vessel in a narrow channel scenario; B) the direction of the current does not determine the stand-on vessel; and C) the Rule of Special Circumstances does not apply in this straightforward narrow channel situation.