Question 45 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is C) assist in taking whatever action is necessary to avoid collision. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) state that when two vessels are in immediate danger of collision, the stand-on vessel (the vessel that has the right-of-way) must take action to assist in avoiding the collision, even if it means deviating from its course. This is because the primary responsibility in a collision situation is to take all necessary action to prevent the collision, rather than simply maintaining course and speed. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) sounding a distress signal is not the appropriate action to take in an immediate collision situation, B) the stand-on vessel is required to take action, not maintain course and speed, and D) abandoning ship is an extreme measure that should only be taken as a last resort.