Question 18 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is C) Vessel "II" should stand-on because she has the wind on her starboard side. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), which apply to both international and inland waters, in a head-on situation, the vessel with the wind on her starboard side (Vessel II) is the stand-on vessel and must maintain her course and speed. The other vessel (Vessel I) is the give-way vessel and must take early and substantial action to avoid a collision. The other options are incorrect because: A) being close-hauled does not determine the stand-on vessel in a head-on situation, and D) both vessels are required to take action in a head-on encounter, with one being the stand-on vessel.