By radar alone, you detect a vessel ahead on a collision course about 3 miles distant in a meeting situation. You should:

By radar alone, you detect a vessel ahead on a collision course about 3 miles distant in a meeting situation. You should:

• A. Turn to port
• B. Turn to starboard
• C. Steer straight ahead
• D. Stop and wait

Answer: (B)

In a meeting head-on scenario, the rule is to alter course to starboard so that both vessels pass on the other’s port side. Turning to starboard (to the right) is the prescribed action because it creates a predictable, safe passing arrangement with the vessels maneuvering in the same direction. Turning to port would bring you toward the other vessel’s path and increase risk. Steering straight ahead keeps you on a collision course, and stopping and waiting isn’t the required response when there is risk of collision — you need to take early, decisive action to comply with the maneuver to starboard.

In a meeting head-on scenario, the rule is to alter course to starboard so that both vessels pass on the other’s port side. Turning to starboard (to the right) is the prescribed action because it creates a predictable, safe passing arrangement with the vessels maneuvering in the same direction. Turning to port would bring you toward the other vessel’s path and increase risk. Steering straight ahead keeps you on a collision course, and stopping and waiting isn’t the required response when there is risk of collision — you need to take early, decisive action to comply with the maneuver to starboard.