Under Rule 14, what is the required maneuver for head-on risk of collision?

Under Rule 14, what is the required maneuver for head-on risk of collision?

• A. Alter course to port
• B. Stop engines
• C. Alter course to starboard
• D. Maintain speed

Answer: (C)

In a head-on risk of collision, the required action under Rule 14 is for both vessels to alter course to starboard. Turning to the right ensures that each vessel passes the other on its port side, creating a predictable and symmetric movement that reduces the chance of collision. Stopping engines or maintaining speed don’t meet the prescribed action to avoid a head-on encounter, and turning to port would direct you toward the other vessel in a way that could worsen the danger. So, the maneuver is to alter course to starboard.

In a head-on risk of collision, the required action under Rule 14 is for both vessels to alter course to starboard. Turning to the right ensures that each vessel passes the other on its port side, creating a predictable and symmetric movement that reduces the chance of collision. Stopping engines or maintaining speed don’t meet the prescribed action to avoid a head-on encounter, and turning to port would direct you toward the other vessel in a way that could worsen the danger. So, the maneuver is to alter course to starboard.