Wisconsin Boating Safety Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Test Prep

When two vessels are approaching each other head-on, it's important to adhere to the navigational rules designed to prevent collisions. The correct action in this situation is for both vessels to turn to the right. This maneuver is based on the "International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea" (COLREGs), which recommend this approach to ensure safe passage.

Turning to the right (starboard) allows each vessel to pass on the port side of the other, thereby minimizing the risk of a collision. This convention is widely accepted in boating and is crucial for safe navigation, especially in situations where visibility may be limited.

Other options like speeding up to pass, changing direction completely, or maintaining the same course could lead to dangerous situations, as they do not provide a clear and safe way to avoid a collision. Keeping a safe distance and adhering to established protocols like turning to the right is fundamental in maritime navigation to ensure the safety of all vessels involved.