USCG Exam PracticeRule 16 — Action by Give-way Vessel
The stand-on vessel in a crossing situation observes that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. Under the Inland Rules, what action may the stand-on vessel take at that point?
- A. She must immediately stop all way and sound five short blasts
- ✓ She may take action to avoid collision by her maneuver aloneCorrect
- C. She must alter course to port to open the CPA
- D. She is prohibited from maneuvering until collision is inevitable
Why B is correct
Rule 17(a)(ii) (33 CFR §83.17(a)(ii)) permits the stand-on vessel to take action to avoid collision by her own maneuver alone as soon as it becomes apparent the give-way vessel is not complying. Rule 17(d) further confirms this does not relieve the give-way vessel of her Rule 16 obligation.