Question 8

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Two power-driven vessels meeting head-on):** Option A is correct based on Rule 14 (Head-on Situation) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the corresponding Inland Rules. 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. Because the Rule explicitly requires *both* vessels to alter course, this is the situation where the Rules require both vessels to change course. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:** * **B) 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 refers to Rule 17 (Action by Stand-on Vessel). Initially, only the give-way vessel is required to change course (Rule 15). The stand-on vessel is required to maintain her course and speed. The stand-on vessel is *permitted* to take action only when it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action (Rule 17(a)(ii)), and the stand-on vessel is *required* to take action only when collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone (Rule 17(b)). The Rules do not initially require both vessels to change course; the requirement for the stand-on vessel to act is conditional and secondary. * **C) Two sailing vessels crossing with the wind on the same side:** This situation is governed by Rule 12 (Sailing Vessels). When two sailing vessels have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward (the upwind vessel) shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward (the downwind vessel). Only the vessel to windward (the give-way vessel) is initially required to change course; the vessel to leeward (the stand-on vessel) is required to maintain course and speed. Therefore, the Rules do not require both vessels to change course simultaneously. * **D) All of the above:** Since options B and C do not mandate both vessels to change course initially, this option is incorrect.