USCG Exam PracticeRule 14 — Head-on Situation
Under the Inland Navigation Rules, when a vessel is in doubt as to whether a head-on situation exists, she shall:
- A. Maintain course and speed until the situation becomes clear.
- B. Immediately sound the danger signal of at least five short and rapid blasts.
- ✓ Assume that a head-on situation exists and act accordingly.Correct
- D. Alter course to port to open the other vessel's bearing.
Why C is correct
33 CFR §83.14(c) expressly states that when a vessel is in any doubt as to whether a head-on situation exists, she shall assume that it does exist and act accordingly. The doubt provision creates a mandatory presumption, not a discretionary one.
Cited:33 CFR §83.14