Question

INLAND ONLY Your vessel is crossing a river on the Great Lakes System. A power-driven vessel is ascending the river, crossing your course from port to starboard. Which statement is TRUE?

A) The vessel ascending the river has the right of way.
B) Your vessel has the right of way, but you are directed not to impede the other vessel.
C) You are required to propose the manner of passage.
D) The other vessel must hold as necessary to allow you to pass.

Answer 1

Navigating a river current involves calculating the resultant velocity with vector addition to achieve a straight path across. This ensures the boat compensates for the flow of the current.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to navigating a river with a current and understanding the resultant velocity of a vessel. When a boat attempts to cross a river, its actual path will be affected by the river's current. To reach a point directly across the river, the captain must aim the boat upstream at an angle. This angle is calculated to ensure the combined velocities of the boat and the river result in a straight path across the river.

In the case of the given question, the river's current is flowing southwest to northeast at a velocity of 7.1 m/s, and the boat is capable of moving at 13 m/s. To calculate the correct heading, one must use vector addition to find the angle at which the boat must head to achieve the desired resultant direction and velocity.