Question 55 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is A) Hold course and speed. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), in a crossing situation, the vessel that has the other on its starboard side (in this case, vessel "B") is the stand-on vessel and must maintain its course and speed. Vessel "A" is the give-way vessel and must take early and substantial action to keep well clear of the stand-on vessel. Sounding one short blast indicates that vessel "B" intends to hold its course and speed, so vessel "A" should respond by holding its course and speed as well. The other options are incorrect because: B) Sounding a danger signal is not the appropriate action for the give-way vessel; C) Answering with one blast and keeping clear is the incorrect action for the give-way vessel; and D) Answering with one blast and holding course and speed is the correct action for the stand-on vessel, not the give-way vessel.