If two power-driven vessels are approaching head-on and there is risk of collision, what is the recommended passing configuration after altering to starboard?

If two power-driven vessels are approaching head-on and there is risk of collision, what is the recommended passing configuration after altering to starboard?

• A. Pass port to port
• B. Pass starboard to starboard
• C. Pass on a diagonal
• D. Stop and drift

Answer: (A)

In a head-on meeting of two power-driven vessels, the established rule is that both vessels alter course to starboard and pass one another on the port side. This means each vessel keeps its own port side toward the other, so they pass with their port sides adjacent. That’s why the passing configuration is port-to-port after both turn to starboard. Choosing to pass starboard to starboard would place each vessel on its own starboard side as they pass, which is not the prescribed arrangement for a head-on situation. Passing on a diagonal isn’t the standard maneuver for head-on risk of collision, and stopping and drifting isn’t the recommended action when a safe maneuver (altering course to starboard) exists.

In a head-on meeting of two power-driven vessels, the established rule is that both vessels alter course to starboard and pass one another on the port side. This means each vessel keeps its own port side toward the other, so they pass with their port sides adjacent. That’s why the passing configuration is port-to-port after both turn to starboard.

Choosing to pass starboard to starboard would place each vessel on its own starboard side as they pass, which is not the prescribed arrangement for a head-on situation. Passing on a diagonal isn’t the standard maneuver for head-on risk of collision, and stopping and drifting isn’t the recommended action when a safe maneuver (altering course to starboard) exists.