USCG Exam PracticeRule 14 — Head-on Situation
On the Western Rivers, two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on. Vessel A is proceeding downbound with a following current; Vessel B is upbound. Which statement correctly describes their obligations under Inland Rule 14?
- A. Each vessel shall alter course to starboard; neither has priority over the other.
- B. Vessel B, being upbound, shall propose the manner of passage and initiate maneuvering signals.
- ✓ Vessel A, proceeding downbound, has the right-of-way, shall propose the manner of passage, and shall initiate the maneuvering signals.Correct
- D. Vessel A shall keep out of the way of Vessel B because Vessel B is ascending the river.
Why C is correct
33 CFR §83.14(d) provides that on the Western Rivers a power-driven vessel proceeding downbound with a following current has the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, shall propose the manner of passage, and shall initiate the maneuvering signals prescribed by Rule 34(a)(i). This is an explicit exception to the general head-on rule in §83.14(a).