Question 241Deck General70% to pass
You are standing watch on entering port and the Master gives a rudder command which conflicts with a rudder command from the Pilot. You should ensure the helmsman _______________.
AI Explanation
The correct answer is C) obeys the Master.
According to the US Coast Guard regulations, the Master of the vessel has ultimate responsibility for the safe navigation and operation of the ship. While the Pilot is an expert advisor who provides local knowledge, the Master retains the final authority over the vessel. In a situation where the Pilot's command conflicts with the Master's, the helmsman is required to follow the orders of the Master. This ensures a clear chain of command and the Master's ability to maintain control of the vessel, which is critical for safe navigation, especially when entering a port.
The other options are incorrect because: A) the Pilot does not have authority over the Master; B) the helmsman should not need to confirm the Pilot's authority, as the Master's orders take precedence; D) splitting the difference between conflicting orders could be unsafe and would go against the Master's authority.
Related Questions
#239 A vessel is entering port and has a Pilot conning the vessel. The Master is unsure that the Pilot is taking sufficient action to prevent a collision. What should the Master do? #240 You are on a large merchant vessel entering a U.S. port. There is a Pilot on board and he has the conn. Which statement is TRUE? #242 You are on watch while your vessel is entering port with a pilot conning. The pilot gave a steering command to the helmsman who failed to acknowledge it by repeating the order. You have now enunciated the pilot's order to the helmsman and there is still no response. If the helmsman continues on the original course, you should immediately _______________.#243 You are on watch while your vessel is entering port with a pilot conning. The pilot gives a steering command to the helmsman who fails to acknowledge it by repeating the command. You should immediately _______________.#244 You are on watch and the Pilot has the conn. The Master has temporarily gone below. The Pilot orders a course change which you are certain will put the vessel into imminent danger. Your first action should be to _______________.