USCG Exam Practice · Rule 14 — Head-on Situation
A vessel's officer of the watch is uncertain whether an approaching power-driven vessel is on a reciprocal course constituting a head-on situation or a fine crossing situation. Under Inland Rule 14, the officer shall:
- AWait for the bearing to change before taking any action
- BAssume a crossing situation exists and give way if the other vessel is to starboard
- CAssume a head-on situation exists and act accordingly✓ correct
- DContact the other vessel by VHF and request clarification before maneuvering
Why C is correct
33 CFR §83.14(c) requires that when a vessel is in any doubt as to whether a head-on situation exists, she shall assume that it does exist and act accordingly — meaning alter course to starboard. Doubt does not justify inaction or defaulting to crossing-situation rules.
Cited:33 CFR §83.14(c)
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