USCG Exam PracticeRule 7 — Risk of Collision
You are the master of a power-driven vessel and detect a large tug with tow on radar. The compass bearing to the tug is changing slowly but appreciably. At what point, if any, can you conclude that risk of collision does not exist?
- A. When the bearing change exceeds five degrees over a ten-minute period
- B. When the tug and tow are more than two miles distant
- ✓ Risk of collision cannot be conclusively dismissed based on an appreciable bearing change alone when approaching a towCorrect
- D. When radar plotting confirms a CPA of more than half a nautical mile
Why C is correct
33 CFR §83.07(d)(ii) specifically states that risk of collision may sometimes exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel or a tow. Additionally, 33 CFR §83.07(c) prohibits assumptions based on scanty information. A bearing change alone is insufficient to dismiss risk when a tow is involved.
Cited:33 CFR §83.07