USCG Exam PracticeRule 12 — Sailing Vessels
Two sailing vessels are approaching so as to involve risk of collision. Vessel X is on starboard tack. Vessel Y is on port tack and is to windward of Vessel X. Vessel Y cannot determine with certainty which tack Vessel X is on. What is the correct action for Vessel Y?
- A. Vessel Y is the stand-on vessel because she is to windward and Rule 12(a)(ii) applies
- ✓ Vessel Y must keep out of the way because she has the wind on her port side and sees a vessel to windward whose tack is uncertainCorrect
- C. Vessel Y must keep out of the way because both vessels are on the same tack and she is to windward
- D. No action is required until the tack of Vessel X is confirmed
Why B is correct
33 CFR §83.12(a)(iii) applies directly: a vessel with the wind on the port side that sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or starboard side shall keep out of the way of the other. Vessel Y has the wind on her port side and sees Vessel X to windward with uncertain tack, so Vessel Y is the give-way vessel.
Cited:33 CFR §83.12