In a head-on meeting, which direction should both vessels alter course to avoid collision?

In a head-on meeting, which direction should both vessels alter course to avoid collision?

• A. Alter course to port
• B. Alter course to starboard and pass to the starboard side
• C. Both vessels should alter course to starboard
• D. Reduce speed and drift

Answer: (C)

In a head-on encounter, the safest and required maneuver is for both vessels to steer to starboard so that they pass on the other vessel’s port side. This coordinated action creates a clear, predictable passing path and reduces the chance of collision, which is exactly what the rules aim for in opposite-course situations. Turning to port would not align with the rule and could put you on a riskier crossing course, potentially bringing you into the other vessel’s path. Simply reducing speed and drifting is not a reliable or rule-based solution for head-on scenarios, since it relies on uncertain actions from the other vessel and does not guarantee safe passage. So, both vessels altering course to starboard is the correct approach.

In a head-on encounter, the safest and required maneuver is for both vessels to steer to starboard so that they pass on the other vessel’s port side. This coordinated action creates a clear, predictable passing path and reduces the chance of collision, which is exactly what the rules aim for in opposite-course situations.

Turning to port would not align with the rule and could put you on a riskier crossing course, potentially bringing you into the other vessel’s path. Simply reducing speed and drifting is not a reliable or rule-based solution for head-on scenarios, since it relies on uncertain actions from the other vessel and does not guarantee safe passage.

So, both vessels altering course to starboard is the correct approach.