Skip to main content
CaptainsGround
Every answer cited & verifiedAll 4 USCG exam modules4,000+ judge-verified questions
USCG Exam PracticeRule 14 — Head-on Situation

Vessel A is proceeding downbound on the Western Rivers with a following current and meets upbound Vessel B head-on. Under Inland Rule 14, which statement correctly describes their obligations?

  1. A. Both vessels must alter course to starboard equally, as the standard head-on rule applies without exception.
  2. B. Vessel B, as the upbound vessel, has the right-of-way and shall initiate maneuvering signals.
  3. Vessel A, proceeding downbound, has the right-of-way, shall propose the manner of passage, and shall initiate the maneuvering signals.Correct
  4. D. The vessel with the lesser draft has the right-of-way and proposes the manner of passage.

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 under Rule 34(a)(i). This is an explicit exception to the standard head-on rule.

More Rule 14 — Head-on Situation questions

Start drilling in 30 seconds. Free.

No signup, no credit card — answer 5 real, cited exam questions right now.

Vessel A is proceeding downbound on the Western Rivers with a follo… — USCG Exam Practice · CaptainsGround