Third Mate · ONC02 · Deck · Collision Avoidance · CURRENT-Q100-Q0021
Avoiding Action: Early, Substantial and Verifiable
Use Rule 8 to choose positive action that creates safe passing distance without another close-quarters situation.
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When in sight of another vessel and there is sufficient sea room, any action taken to avoid collision must __________.
- A. include a speed change
- B. be accompanied by sound signals
- C. not result in another close-quarters situation
- D. All of the above
Correct answer: C. not result in another close-quarters situation
Why this answer is correct
Collision-avoidance action must produce a safe passing distance and must not create another close-quarters situation.
Governing principle
Rule 8 requires positive, timely, readily apparent action whose effectiveness is checked until finally past and clear.
Reasoning
- Choose an action appropriate to the circumstances.
- Make it large and early enough to be apparent.
- Ensure the resulting track creates a safe passing distance without another close-quarters encounter.
Why the other choices do not fit
A. A speed change can be effective but is not required in every case.
B. Sound signals are required in specified circumstances, not as a universal element of every avoidance action.
D. Because A and B are not universally required, all of the above cannot be correct.
Related lesson
Core Collision-Avoidance Rules — Definitions, Lookout, Safe Speed, Risk & Positive Avoiding Action
Flashcard preview
What makes avoiding action effective under Rule 8?
Avoiding action should be positive, made in ample time and large enough to be readily apparent. With sufficient sea room, a substantial course alteration alone can be effective if it is made in good time and does not create another close-quarters situation.
Sources
- USCG Navigation Center · Amalgamated Navigation Rules · Rule 8(a), 8(b) and 8(d), Action to Avoid Collision
- USCG National Maritime Center · Q100 Rules of the Road: International and Inland · Question 21 and official answer key
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