Question 38 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is C) The overtaking vessel must keep out of the way of the other. This is correct because under both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the Inland Navigation Rules, the vessel that is overtaking another vessel is considered the "give-way" vessel and must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken, which is the "stand-on" vessel. The other answer choices are incorrect because A) the overtaking vessel does not maintain course and speed, C) is the correct statement, and D) one vessel must be the stand-on vessel in an overtaking situation.