If the vessel is to my starboard and I am going to cross her course, I need to alter course to starboard (or slow down at a minimum) to go astern of her. Crossing her course means I am going to pass in front of her. Poorly worded.
Deck
Rules of the Road: INLAND ONLY You are crossing the course of another vessel which is to your starb...
Discussing this exam question.
CACCLAPERTON: the inland rules state that if an agreement via radio has been established, sound signals are optional
I agree with CACCLAPPERTON. If I am in a crossing situation, i.e. crossing another power driven vessel so that RISK OF COLLISION exists, I must alter course or slow down in order to avoid the collision IAW the rules. No sound signals need be sound if we reached agreement via MARBAND, but I still must take action to avoid the collision.
I agree with CACCLAPPERTON
I also agree with CACCLAPPERTON in that the ambiguous wording of this question leads the test taker to the "incorrect" option. It is known that for Inland Rules if agreement is reached via radio that no sound signal is required. However, based on the initial info of "crossing the course of another vessel" some action must be taken whether that be either vessel changing speed, course, or a combination.
Right. But the question asks MUST. You may be able to pass astern by slowing down and NOT changing course. You are not obligated to change course, just to pass astern. The question is trying to trip you up. None of the options are a MUST.
mehhhhh trick question
Tricky but good. The "MUST" was the give away. Slowing or stopping is always an option and because the agreement was made by radio, no sound signals are required.