Two powerboats are approaching head-on. What should each operator do?
- Turn to port so the boats pass starboard side to starboard side
- Hold course, because the larger boat is the stand-on vessel
- Turn to starboard so the boats pass port side to port side
- Stop, because the boat heading downstream must pass first
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C. Turn to starboard so the boats pass port side to port side
In a head-on meeting neither boat is stand-on; both alter course to starboard and pass port to port. Size does not decide who gives way between two ordinary powerboats.
Reference: Navigation Rules, Rule 14
Two powerboats are crossing. Which one is the give-way vessel?
- The one that has the other boat on its own starboard side
- The one that has the other boat on its own port side
- The one that is going at the higher speed
- The one that is first to sound a passing signal on its horn
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A. The one that has the other boat on its own starboard side
When power-driven vessels cross, the vessel that sees the other on its starboard side must keep out of the way and should avoid crossing ahead. The boat to starboard is stand-on. Speed plays no part.
Reference: Navigation Rules, Rule 15
A powerboat and a sailboat under sail alone are on crossing courses in open water. Who gives way?
- The sailboat
- The boat on the port side
- The boat nearer the shore
- The powerboat
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D. The powerboat
A power-driven vessel underway keeps out of the way of a sailing vessel, except when the sailboat is overtaking it or other special cases such as narrow channels apply. Which side each is on decides only between two powerboats.
Reference: Navigation Rules, Rule 18