USCG Exam PracticeRule 14 — Head-on Situation
On the Western Rivers under the Inland Rules, two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on. Which vessel has the right-of-way and is responsible for proposing the manner of passage?
- A. The upbound vessel, because she has the other on her starboard side.
- B. The vessel with the greater length overall.
- ✓ The downbound vessel proceeding with a following current.Correct
- D. Neither vessel; both must alter course to starboard simultaneously.
Why C is correct
33 CFR §83.14(d) provides that on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or waters specified by the Secretary, a power-driven vessel proceeding downbound with a following current has the right-of-way over an upbound vessel and shall propose the manner of passage. This is an explicit exception to the general head-on rule in §83.14(a).
Cited:33 CFR §83.14