United States Coast Guard Captains License Practice Exam

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Study for the US Coast Guard Captains License Exam. Enhance your knowledge with quizzes, flashcards, and hints. Prepare effectively for your test!

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What should two vessels in a head-on situation do according to the rules?

Alter course to starboard and pass port to port
Alter course to port and pass starboard to starboard
Match whistle signals
Take all way off

The correct answer is: Alter course to starboard and pass port to port

In a head-on situation between two vessels, both vessels are required to alter their course to starboard, allowing them to pass each other port to port. This is a standard practice derived from the Navigation Rules, specifically Rule 14, which states that when two power-driven vessels are meeting on a collision course, they should each turn to their right to avoid a collision. By passing on the port side, both vessels maximize their safety and adhere to the established maritime protocols, which are designed to mitigate risks on the water. The other choices do not align with the correct navigational practices in a head-on scenario. Altering course to port and passing starboard to starboard is not advisable as it increases the chance of collision. Matching whistle signals and taking all way off are not appropriate responses in this situation, as they do not resolve the potential for a collision effectively. Therefore, the recommended action is to alter course to starboard and pass port to port.