Question 32

The Correct Answer is D **Why option D ("When the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action to avoid collision") is correct:** This situation is specifically addressed by Rule 17(b) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the corresponding Inland Rules. Rule 17 governs the action of the stand-on vessel. Rule 17(b) states: "The stand-on vessel *may* take action to avoid collision by her maneuver alone as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action in compliance with these Rules." This grants the stand-on vessel the discretionary right ("may") to act when the required give-way maneuver is clearly failing to materialize. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) The stand-on vessel is never allowed to take action:** This is incorrect and dangerous. While the stand-on vessel initially must keep her course and speed (Rule 17(a)(i)), Rules 17(b) and 17(c) specifically permit, and eventually require, the stand-on vessel to take action to avoid collision. * **B) When the two vessels are less than half a mile from each other:** While proximity is a factor in determining risk of collision (Rule 7) and when action becomes necessary, the distance of half a mile is an arbitrary figure not specified in the Rules as the *trigger* for the stand-on vessel's first permitted action under Rule 17(b). The trigger is the failure of the give-way vessel to act appropriately, regardless of a specific measured distance. * **C) When collision is imminent:** This situation is covered by Rule 17(c), which states that the stand-on vessel *shall* take action when she finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone. However, the question asks when the stand-on vessel is **FIRST** allowed to take action (the discretionary point). The discretionary action under 17(b) precedes the mandatory action under 17(c). Therefore, "imminent collision" (the mandatory point) is not the first moment the stand-on vessel is permitted to act.