Question 18

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (Two power-driven vessels meeting head-on):** Option B describes a "head-on" situation, which is governed by Rule 14 (International and Inland). Rule 14(a) states that when two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision, **each shall alter her course to starboard** so that each may pass on the port side of the other. This Rule explicitly requires *both* vessels to change course simultaneously, making it the required action under the Rules for this specific scenario. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) Two power-driven vessels crossing when it is apparent to the stand-on vessel that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action:** This situation falls under the responsibility of the stand-on vessel (Rule 17). The stand-on vessel is required to *maintain* course and speed (Rule 17(a)(i)). However, if action by the give-way vessel alone is insufficient, Rule 17(b) allows the stand-on vessel to take action to avoid collision. If the danger becomes *so imminent* that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, Rule 17(c) *requires* the stand-on vessel to take action. Crucially, in this crossing situation, the give-way vessel is *already* required to take action (Rule 15). While both vessels *may* eventually take action (one required, one allowed/then required), the Rules do not *start* by requiring both vessels to change course simultaneously; the stand-on vessel must first maintain course and speed. The primary initial rule (Rule 15) places the burden on one vessel (give-way), not both simultaneously, unlike the head-on scenario. * **C) Two sailing vessels crossing with the wind on the same side:** This scenario is covered by Rule 12 (Sailing Vessels). When two sailing vessels have the wind on the same side, the vessel that is to windward must keep out of the way of the vessel that is to leeward. Only the vessel to windward is required to change course (the give-way vessel); the vessel to leeward is the stand-on vessel and must maintain course and speed (Rule 17). Therefore, the Rules only initially require one vessel to change course. * **D) All of the above:** Since options A and C are incorrect, this option is also incorrect.