When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on with risk of collision, what action must each take?

Study for the Maritime Navigation Rules and Vessel Responsibilities Exam. Study with multiple choice questions including hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam with us!

Multiple Choice

When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on with risk of collision, what action must each take?

Explanation:
In a head-on situation with risk of collision, both vessels are required to take action to avoid by turning to starboard. Altering course to starboard means steering to the right, so each vessel passes on the other vessel’s port side. This shared, symmetrical maneuver creates a clear, predictable path and reduces the chance of crossing trajectories. Keeping the course and speed does nothing to lessen the risk, stopping engines isn’t the prescribed response in this scenario, and turning to port would lead to passing on the wrong side relative to the other vessel. So, the correct action is to alter course to starboard.

In a head-on situation with risk of collision, both vessels are required to take action to avoid by turning to starboard. Altering course to starboard means steering to the right, so each vessel passes on the other vessel’s port side. This shared, symmetrical maneuver creates a clear, predictable path and reduces the chance of crossing trajectories. Keeping the course and speed does nothing to lessen the risk, stopping engines isn’t the prescribed response in this scenario, and turning to port would lead to passing on the wrong side relative to the other vessel. So, the correct action is to alter course to starboard.

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