Question 251 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is A) Cross ahead of the stand-on vessel. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the Inland Navigation Rules state that in a crossing situation, the give-way vessel (the vessel that does not have the right-of-way) should avoid crossing ahead of the stand-on vessel (the vessel that has the right-of-way). Crossing ahead of the stand-on vessel is considered an unsafe maneuver and should be avoided. The correct action for the give-way vessel is to either slow down, back down, or make a large course change to starboard to pass astern of the stand-on vessel.