Rules of the Road · Risk of Collision
Under Rule 7, risk of collision shall be deemed to exist when:
- AThe compass bearing to another vessel decreases below 30 degrees on the bow
- BThe compass bearing to an approaching vessel does not appreciably change✓ Correct
- CAny vessel is within 2 nautical miles and closing
- DTwo vessels are on reciprocal courses within 5 nautical miles of each other
Explanation
Rule 7(d) states that risk of collision shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change. A steady bearing with decreasing range is the classic CPA-zero scenario. The 2-mile or angle thresholds in other options are not part of the rule.
Authority: 72 COLREGS Rule 7(d)
Practice the full Rules of the Road bank
Free spaced-repetition quizzing across 2190 USCG exam questions — it schedules your reviews so the ones you miss come back until they stick.
Related Rules of the Road questions
- Risk of Collision
Rule 7 cautions that scanty radar observations shall be:
- General & Definitions
72 COLREGS apply to vessels upon which waters?
- General & Definitions
Under 72 COLREGS, which statement best describes the word 'vessel'?
- General & Definitions
A vessel is 'underway' as defined by 72 COLREGS when she is:
- General & Definitions
Under 72 COLREGS, a 'power-driven vessel' is defined as:
- General & Definitions
Which vessels are considered 'restricted in their ability to maneuver' under 72 COLREGS Rule 3(g)?