USCG Exam PracticeRule 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?
- ✓ Each shall alter course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.Correct
- B. Each shall alter course to port so that each shall pass on the starboard side of the other.
- C. The vessel with the other on her starboard side shall keep out of the way.
- D. The 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 meeting situation 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.
Cited:33 CFR §83.14