In a head-on meeting between two power-driven vessels with risk of collision, what action is required?

In a head-on meeting between two power-driven vessels with risk of collision, what action is required?

• A. Alter course to starboard
• B. Alter course to port
• C. Increase speed
• D. Stop engines

Answer: (A)

When two power-driven vessels are on a head-on approach with a risk of collision, the action required by the rules is to alter course to starboard. Turning to the right creates a predictable, mirror-like adjustment where each vessel passes on the other's port side, reducing the chance of crossing trajectories and confusion. Altering course to port would move into the other vessel’s path in this situation and isn’t the standardized avoidance maneuver. Simply increasing speed or stopping engines doesn’t address the immediate need to shift away from a potential collision in a head-on scenario.

When two power-driven vessels are on a head-on approach with a risk of collision, the action required by the rules is to alter course to starboard. Turning to the right creates a predictable, mirror-like adjustment where each vessel passes on the other's port side, reducing the chance of crossing trajectories and confusion. Altering course to port would move into the other vessel’s path in this situation and isn’t the standardized avoidance maneuver. Simply increasing speed or stopping engines doesn’t address the immediate need to shift away from a potential collision in a head-on scenario.