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?
- A. Both vessels must alter course to starboard equally, as the standard head-on rule applies without exception.
- B. Vessel B, as the upbound vessel, has the right-of-way and shall 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. 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.