Question 11

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (Correct Answer):** Option B states that the power-driven stand-on vessel is "required to maintain course and speed in a crossing situation but may take action to avoid collision." This is the fundamental requirement for a stand-on vessel under both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the Inland Rules (US Inland Navigation Rules). * **Rule 17(a)(i)** (Action by Stand-on Vessel) dictates that the stand-on vessel must *keep her course and speed*. This ensures that the give-way vessel can accurately predict the stand-on vessel's movement and execute the required passing maneuver. * **Rule 17(b)** provides the critical exception: the stand-on vessel *may* take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action (or is not going to take sufficient action). * **Rule 17(c)** further mandates that the stand-on vessel *shall* take action if the situation has developed to the point where collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone (the "last minute" or "in extremis" maneuver). Therefore, the stand-on vessel is primarily required to maintain course and speed but retains the right and eventual obligation to take action to avoid collision. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** **A) required to give-way in a crossing situation** * **Incorrect.** The vessel that is required to "give-way" (take early and substantial action to keep clear) is the **give-way vessel** (Rule 16), which, in a crossing situation, is the power-driven vessel that has the other vessel on its starboard side (Rule 15). The stand-on vessel is, by definition, the one required to *maintain* course and speed (Rule 17). **C) required to sound the first passing signal in a meeting situation** * **Incorrect.** In a meeting situation (head-on), both power-driven vessels are mutual give-way vessels (Rule 14). Both must alter course to starboard to pass port-to-port. Passing signals (one short blast to alter course to starboard, two short blasts to alter course to port) are initiated by the vessel proposing the maneuver, not specifically the "stand-on" vessel, since in a meeting situation, there is technically no stand-on vessel designated under Rule 14. Furthermore, passing signals are mandatory only under Inland Rules, not International COLREGS, which only require maneuver/warning signals (Rule 34). **D) free to maneuver in any crossing or meeting situation as it has the right of way** * **Incorrect.** Although the stand-on vessel has the "right of way," it is *not* free to maneuver initially. It is legally restricted to maintaining course and speed (Rule 17(a)(i)). Premature maneuvering by the stand-on vessel can confuse the give-way vessel and lead to collision. The freedom to maneuver is only granted when the risk of collision becomes imminent (Rule 17(b)).