Two vessels are approaching each other head-on. What action should be taken to avoid collision?

Two vessels are approaching each other head-on. What action should be taken to avoid collision?

• A. Alter course to starboard
• B. Alter course to port
• C. Both vessels should alter course to starboard
• D. Stop engines and wait for instructions

Answer: (C)

When two power-driven vessels meet head-on, the established rule is that both vessels should steer to the right (alter course to starboard). This makes them pass on each other’s port sides, a predictable and safe maneuver that reduces the chance of collision. Turning to the left (altering course to port) would risk passing on the opposite sides and is not the prescribed action in a head-on situation. Stopping engines and waiting for instructions isn’t appropriate because there’s an immediate obligation to take action to avoid collision under the collision regulations. So, turning to starboard together is the correct approach.

When two power-driven vessels meet head-on, the established rule is that both vessels should steer to the right (alter course to starboard). This makes them pass on each other’s port sides, a predictable and safe maneuver that reduces the chance of collision. Turning to the left (altering course to port) would risk passing on the opposite sides and is not the prescribed action in a head-on situation. Stopping engines and waiting for instructions isn’t appropriate because there’s an immediate obligation to take action to avoid collision under the collision regulations. So, turning to starboard together is the correct approach.