🔍 Key Concepts

• INLAND Rules for vessels on the Great Lakes and Western Rivers • Special responsibilities of a vessel ascending or descending a river versus simple crossing situations • Difference between right of way/stand-on status and the duty not to impede another vessel

💭 Think About

• First, decide whether this situation is treated mainly as a crossing situation or a river traffic (upbound vs. crossing) situation under the Inland Rules on the Great Lakes System. • Think about what extra consideration, if any, is given to a vessel that is ascending a river with respect to maneuverability and staying in the channel. • Compare the ideas of being the stand-on vessel versus having a specific duty not to impede another vessel; how could both be true at the same time?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify what the Inland Rules say about upbound/ascending vessels on rivers and the Great Lakes System, especially regarding who initiates passing arrangements. • Confirm whether a crossing vessel may be the stand-on vessel yet still be required not to impede the passage of another vessel in a confined waterway. • Check carefully which answer choices use absolute language like "has the right of way" versus language that includes a condition such as "but you are directed not to impede".