NASBLA Navigation Rules & Right of Way 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, what action must each vessel take?
- Each vessel shall alter course to starboard so each passes on the port side of the other (Correct answer)
- Each vessel shall alter course to port so each passes on the starboard side of the other
- The vessel with greater tonnage has the right of way
- The vessel traveling upstream has priority
Correct answer: Each vessel shall alter course to starboard so each passes on the port side of the other
COLREGS Rule 14 requires head-on vessels to each alter course to starboard, passing port-to-port.
Question 2: When a sailing vessel under sail only and a power-driven vessel are on crossing courses, which vessel is the give-way vessel?
- The power-driven vessel is the give-way vessel (Correct answer)
- The sailing vessel is the give-way vessel
- The vessel on the port tack is the give-way vessel
- The vessel with the wind astern is the give-way vessel
Correct answer: The power-driven vessel is the give-way vessel
Under COLREGS Rule 18, a power-driven vessel underway must keep out of the way of a sailing vessel under sail.
Question 3: In a crossing situation between two power-driven vessels, which vessel is required to give way?
- The vessel that has the other on its starboard side (Correct answer)
- The vessel that has the other on its port side
- The faster vessel
- The vessel heading upstream
Correct answer: The vessel that has the other on its starboard side
COLREGS Rule 15 states that when two power-driven vessels cross, the vessel having the other on its own starboard side shall keep out of the way.
Question 4: When a vessel is overtaking another vessel, who has the right of way?
- The vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel (Correct answer)
- The overtaking vessel has the right of way
- Neither vessel has right of way; they must negotiate passage
- The faster vessel always has right of way
Correct answer: The vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel
Rule 13 states the overtaken vessel is the stand-on vessel; the overtaking vessel must keep clear until past and clear.
Question 5: In a narrow channel, where should a vessel keep when it is safe and practicable?
- As near to the starboard side of the channel as is safe (Correct answer)
- As near to the port side of the channel as is safe
- In the center of the channel
- On the downstream side at all times
Correct answer: As near to the starboard side of the channel as is safe
Rule 9 requires vessels in narrow channels to keep to the starboard side to allow safe two-way traffic.
Question 6: What does one short blast of a horn signal when vessels are in sight of each other?
- I am altering my course to starboard (Correct answer)
- I am altering my course to port
- I am operating in reverse
- I intend to overtake you on your starboard side
Correct answer: I am altering my course to starboard
Rule 34 specifies that one short blast means the vessel is altering course to starboard.
Question 7: Which vessel category has the highest priority (must be given way to by all others) under COLREGS Rule 18?
- A vessel not under command (Correct answer)
- A vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver
- A vessel constrained by its draft
- A sailing vessel under sail
Correct answer: A vessel not under command
A vessel not under command has lost the ability to maneuver and therefore has top priority under the COLREGS hierarchy.
NASBLA Navigation Rules & Right of Way 1
When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, what action must each vessel take?