USCG Exam Practice · Rule 12 — Sailing Vessels
A sailing vessel with the wind on her port side observes another sailing vessel to windward but cannot determine with certainty whether that vessel has the wind on her port or starboard side. What action is required?
- AShe shall stand on and sound one short blast
- BShe shall keep out of the way of the other vessel✓ correct
- CShe shall sound five short blasts and maintain course
- DShe shall wait until the other vessel's tack can be determined before taking action
Why B is correct
33 CFR §83.12(a)(iii) expressly requires that if a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or starboard side, she shall keep out of the way of the other. The uncertainty itself triggers the give-way obligation.
Cited:33 CFR §83.12
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