In a head-on collision scenario between two power-driven vessels, what should both vessels do to avoid a collision?

• A. Alter course to starboard and pass port to port.
• B. Maintain your current course and speed.
• C. Turn to port and pass starboard to starboard.
• D. Stop engines and drift.

Answer: (A)

In a head-on meeting between two power-driven vessels, the safest and standard action is for both to turn to the right (starboard) so that they pass on each other’s left sides (port to port). This mirrored maneuver creates a predictable path and avoids crossing trajectories, reducing the chance of collision.

Maintaining course and speed keeps the vessels on a collision course. Turning to port would cause one or both to move into the other vessel’s path instead of away from it. Stopping engines and drifting removes control and can leave you at the mercy of currents and the other vessel’s actions, increasing risk. By steering to starboard, both vessels follow the established rule for head-on situations and achieve safe passage.