Under head-on, what change of course do both vessels make?

Under head-on, what change of course do both vessels make?

• A. Alter course to port
• B. Maintain course
• C. Alter course to starboard
• D. Stop

Answer: (D)

In a head-on situation, the standard action is for both vessels to turn to starboard. This means each vessel steers to the right so they pass on the other vessel’s port side. The reason this is the norm is that turning to the right provides a predictable, symmetric maneuver that helps avoid crossing paths and reduces confusion between vessels. Maintaining course or stopping doesn’t resolve the risk of collision in a head-on encounter, and turning to port would steer you toward the other vessel rather than away. So the safe, consistent action is to alter course to starboard.

In a head-on situation, the standard action is for both vessels to turn to starboard. This means each vessel steers to the right so they pass on the other vessel’s port side. The reason this is the norm is that turning to the right provides a predictable, symmetric maneuver that helps avoid crossing paths and reduces confusion between vessels.

Maintaining course or stopping doesn’t resolve the risk of collision in a head-on encounter, and turning to port would steer you toward the other vessel rather than away. So the safe, consistent action is to alter course to starboard.