United States Coast Guard Captains License Practice Exam

When two vessels approach each other at right angles, which vessel must give way?

1. The vessel on the starboard side

2. The vessel with the larger size

3. The vessel on the port side

4. The sailing vessel

The correct answer is: The vessel on the starboard side

When two vessels approach each other at right angles, the vessel on the starboard side is required to give way. In maritime navigation, the rules of the road dictate that when two power-driven vessels are meeting, the one that has the other on its starboard side must maintain its course and speed. This rule helps to avoid collisions and promotes safe navigation. The underlying principle is that a vessel is obliged to give way to the one on its port side in these situations, which means the vessel on the starboard side has the right of way. Understanding this concept is essential for maintaining safety at sea and ensuring compliance with maritime navigation rules. Recognizing the starboard and port positions is vital for every mariner, as it directly influences decisions made when vessels are in close proximity to one another.