United States Coast Guard Captains License Practice Exam

Seeing another vessel approach with a compass bearing that does not significantly change indicates what?

1. You are the stand-on vessel

2. Risk of collision exists

3. A special circumstances situation exists

4. The vessel is dead in the water

The correct answer is: Risk of collision exists

When observing another vessel approaching with a compass bearing that does not significantly change, it suggests that the two vessels are on a converging collision course. This is an important safety consideration in maritime navigation. If the bearing remains constant, it means that the distance between the vessels is decreasing, which indicates that a risk of collision exists. Understanding this principle is critical for navigational safety, as proper action must be taken to avoid a collision. In situations where the relative bearing is changing, it may not necessarily indicate a collision risk, allowing for the necessary maneuvers to establish safe navigation between the vessels involved. The other options do not accurately represent the implications of a steady compass bearing. The option about being the stand-on vessel typically pertains to a situation where one vessel is required to maintain its course and speed, but that becomes irrelevant if a collision risk is present. A special circumstances situation would involve unique navigational challenges not indicated simply by a constant bearing. The notion that the vessel is dead in the water does not relate to the dynamics of approach bearing; it would not have a steady bearing while in that condition.