USCG Exam PracticeRule 9 — Narrow Channels
On the Great Lakes, a downbound power-driven vessel with a following current and an upbound power-driven vessel are meeting in a narrow fairway. The downbound vessel proposes the manner and place of passage and initiates the appropriate maneuvering signals. The upbound vessel disagrees with the proposed passage. Under the Inland Navigation Rules, what is the upbound vessel's obligation?
- A. The upbound vessel may propose an alternative passage plan by initiating her own maneuvering signals
- B. The upbound vessel shall sound the danger signal and both vessels shall stop until agreement is reached by radio
- ✓ The upbound vessel shall hold as necessary to permit safe passing, as the downbound vessel has the right-of-wayCorrect
- D. The upbound vessel retains the right-of-way because she is the stand-on vessel in a head-on situation under Rule 14
Why C is correct
Inland Rule 9(a)(ii) expressly states that the vessel proceeding upbound against the current shall hold as necessary to permit safe passing. The downbound vessel with a following current has the right-of-way on the Great Lakes and Western Rivers, notwithstanding Rule 14(a). The upbound vessel does not have the option to counter-propose or invoke a head-on stand-on status.
Cited:33 CFR §83.09