Risk of collision may exist in which scenarios?

Risk of collision may exist in which scenarios?

• A. Crossing from starboard
• B. Overtaking from behind
• C. Head-on
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

In each of these situations there is a potential for collision if neither vessel changes course or speed. The risk arises because the relative geometry means the vessels could occupy the same point if they continue on their present tracks. Crossing from starboard means one vessel sees another on its right-hand side; the vessel on the starboard side has the right of way, but the other vessel must take early action to avoid, and either vessel failing to act can lead to a collision. Overtaking from behind creates risk as one vessel closes up from the rear; the overtaking vessel must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken, and if action isn’t taken, a collision could occur as the gap narrows. In a head-on situation, two vessels on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses face collision risk if both maintain course and speed; international rules require both to alter course to pass port to port (typically by veering to the starboard side) to prevent a collision. So, the risk of collision is present in all these scenarios, meaning all of the above is correct.

In each of these situations there is a potential for collision if neither vessel changes course or speed. The risk arises because the relative geometry means the vessels could occupy the same point if they continue on their present tracks.

Crossing from starboard means one vessel sees another on its right-hand side; the vessel on the starboard side has the right of way, but the other vessel must take early action to avoid, and either vessel failing to act can lead to a collision. Overtaking from behind creates risk as one vessel closes up from the rear; the overtaking vessel must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken, and if action isn’t taken, a collision could occur as the gap narrows. In a head-on situation, two vessels on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses face collision risk if both maintain course and speed; international rules require both to alter course to pass port to port (typically by veering to the starboard side) to prevent a collision.

So, the risk of collision is present in all these scenarios, meaning all of the above is correct.