United States Coast Guard Captains License Practice Exam

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Prepare for the United States Coast Guard Captains License Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, offering hints and explanations for each. Excel in your exam with comprehensive study material!

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When can a stand-on vessel change course and speed?

The stand-on vessel may change course and speed at any time
Only after the give-way vessel sounds one blast
When action by the give-way vessel alone cannot prevent collision
When the two vessels become less than one mile apart

The correct answer is: When action by the give-way vessel alone cannot prevent collision

A stand-on vessel, according to navigational rules, has a responsibility to maintain its course and speed when encountering a give-way vessel. However, the stand-on vessel is not completely restricted from taking action. The key point is that it can change course and speed when it becomes apparent that action by the give-way vessel is insufficient to prevent a collision. This situation emphasizes the need for good seamanship and situational awareness. While the stand-on vessel generally maintains its path to provide predictability to the give-way vessel, it must also monitor the situation closely. If it observes that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action to avoid a collision, changing course or speed becomes a critical decision to ensure safe navigation and avoid an incident. Other options suggest conditions that either impose unnecessary limitations on the stand-on vessel or do not align with the fundamental rules governing right-of-way at sea. Thus, understanding when a stand-on vessel can safely alter its course is an essential aspect of maritime navigation and safety.