In a night scenario, if both vessels alter to starboard to pass, what is the passing arrangement?

In a night scenario, if both vessels alter to starboard to pass, what is the passing arrangement?

• A. Pass port to port
• B. Pass starboard to starboard
• C. Pass diagonally
• D. Stop

Answer: (A)

When two vessels approach and both decide to pass by turning to the same side, the sides facing each other are those opposite to the turns. If both swing to starboard, the port sides of the hulls end up facing one another, so they pass with their port sides toward each other. In other words, the movement results in a port-to-port pass. This arrangement gives each vessel’s starboard side the clearance to maneuver past the other without crossing paths, preserving a safe channel for the crossing hulls. At night, the same rule applies; rely on proper navigation lights and sound signals if needed to confirm intentions, but the passing arrangement itself is determined by which side both vessels turn. The other options don’t fit because they imply passing on the starboard sides, stopping, or an irregular diagonal path, none of which aligns with both vessels turning to starboard.

When two vessels approach and both decide to pass by turning to the same side, the sides facing each other are those opposite to the turns. If both swing to starboard, the port sides of the hulls end up facing one another, so they pass with their port sides toward each other. In other words, the movement results in a port-to-port pass.

This arrangement gives each vessel’s starboard side the clearance to maneuver past the other without crossing paths, preserving a safe channel for the crossing hulls. At night, the same rule applies; rely on proper navigation lights and sound signals if needed to confirm intentions, but the passing arrangement itself is determined by which side both vessels turn.

The other options don’t fit because they imply passing on the starboard sides, stopping, or an irregular diagonal path, none of which aligns with both vessels turning to starboard.