USCG Exam PracticeRule 17 — Action by Stand-on Vessel
Under the Inland Navigation Rules, when the stand-on vessel takes independent action to avoid collision under Rule 17(a)(ii), what triggers the permission to take that action?
- A. When a close-quarters situation has already developed
- ✓ As soon as it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate actionCorrect
- C. Only after sounding the danger signal five or more short blasts
- D. When collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone
Why B is correct
33 CFR §83.17(a)(ii) permits the stand-on vessel to take independent action as soon as it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action in compliance with the Rules. The threshold in option D describes the mandatory action under §83.17(b), which is a later, more urgent stage.
Cited:33 CFR §83.17