Question 1

What is the obligation of the give-way vessel under Rule 16?

Accepted Answer

To take early and substantial action to keep well clear. Rule 16: every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear. Early means in ample time. Substantial means a large enough action to be apparent to the other vessel. The give-way vessel must not leave the stand-on vessel to take avoiding action.

Question 2

In a crossing situation involving two power-driven vessels in sight of one another with risk of collision, the give-way vessel could safely pass astern but instead alters substantially to starboard to cross ahead of the stand-on vessel. This action:

Accepted Answer

Violates Rule 15, as circumstances permit the give-way vessel to avoid crossing ahead. Rule 15 requires the give-way vessel, if the circumstances admit, to avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel. Here, a safe passage astern is available, so crossing ahead breaches that requirement. Crossing ahead does not necessarily create a close-quarters situation or breach Rule 8. Rule 8(c) addresses alteration of course alone and specifies that it must not result in another close-quarters situation. Rule 8(b) concerns alterations being large enough to be readily apparent, while Rule 16 requires early and substantial action to keep well clear.

Question 3

A give-way vessel is required by Rule 15 to give way to a vessel on her port side. Which of the following actions would NOT be appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Altering course to port across the stand-on vessel's bow. Altering course to PORT across the stand-on vessel's bow is dangerous and inappropriate, it creates a new close-quarters situation at closer range, may result in crossing ahead of the stand-on vessel at high risk, and is contrary to the spirit of Rule 16 which requires early and substantial action to keep well clear. The correct actions are: alter to starboard (pass astern), slow significantly, or stop.

Rule 16, questions and explanations

What is the obligation of the give-way vessel under Rule 16?

In a crossing situation involving two power-driven vessels in sight of one another with risk of collision, the give-way vessel could safely pass astern but instead alters substantially to starboard to cross ahead of the stand-on vessel. This action:

A give-way vessel is required by Rule 15 to give way to a vessel on her port side. Which of the following actions would NOT be appropriate?

Practise this properly

Rule 16, questions and explanations

Questions

What is the obligation of the give-way vessel under Rule 16?

In a crossing situation involving two power-driven vessels in sight of one another with risk of collision, the give-way vessel could safely pass astern but instead alters substantially to starboard to cross ahead of the stand-on vessel. This action:

A give-way vessel is required by Rule 15 to give way to a vessel on her port side. Which of the following actions would NOT be appropriate?

Practise this properly