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USCG Exam Practice · Rule 14 — Head-on Situation

Under the Inland Navigation Rules, when two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision, what action is required of each vessel?

  1. AEach vessel shall alter course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.✓ correct
  2. BEach vessel shall alter course to port so that each shall pass on the starboard side of the other.
  3. CThe vessel with the other on her starboard side shall keep out of the way.
  4. DThe vessel proceeding downbound shall keep out of the way of the upbound vessel.

Why A is correct

33 CFR §83.14(a) requires that in a head-on situation, unless otherwise agreed, each vessel shall alter course to starboard so that each passes on the port side of the other. Option B reverses the required direction. Option C describes the crossing rule. Option D inverts the downbound/upbound priority.

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Under the Inland Navigation Rules, when two power-driven vessels ar… — USCG Exam Practice · CaptainsGround