For Rule 14 to apply, which conditions must exist?

• A. Both vessels must be power-driven.
• B. They must be meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses.
• C. The situation must involve risk of collision.
• D. All of the above.

Answer: (D)

In head-on situations, Rule 14 only applies when three things are true at once: both vessels are under power and able to maneuver; they are approaching on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses; and the situation presents a risk of collision. Each element matters because Rule 14 is specifically about two power-driven vessels meeting on opposite (or nearly opposite) paths where a collision could occur. If any one of these conditions isn’t present—for example, if one vessel isn’t power-driven or the vessels aren’t on reciprocal courses, or there’s no risk of collision—Rule 14 doesn’t come into play and the appropriate rule or action would be different. Therefore, all of these conditions must exist for Rule 14 to apply, making “all of the above” the best answer.