USCG Exam PracticeRule 7 — Risk of Collision
Under the Inland Navigation Rules, what is the primary method for determining whether risk of collision exists with an approaching vessel?
- A. Observing whether the vessel's masthead light is rising or dipping.
- ✓ Monitoring whether the compass bearing of the approaching vessel appreciably changes.Correct
- C. Estimating the closing speed by visual observation of bow wave size.
- D. Determining whether the approaching vessel is displaying proper lights or shapes.
Why B is correct
33 CFR §83.07(d)(i) states that risk of collision shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change. Bowditch Ch. 7 §704 confirms that constant bearing with decreasing range (CBDR) is the canonical indicator of collision risk.