Under Rule 12, which vessel must give way in a head-on situation?

Answer: C — Both vessels must alter course to starboard

In a head-on situation, Rule 12 of the COLREGs specifies that both vessels shall alter their course to starboard. This rule is designed to promote safe navigation by ensuring clear and predictable intentions of each vessel involved. By both vessels turning to starboard, there is a reduced risk of collision as they steer away from each other. The option that states the vessel with the larger size must give way is misleading, as size does not dictate which vessel must yield in a head-on encounter. Similarly, the speed of the vessels does not determine the give-way obligation; therefore, the vessel traveling at a higher speed is not the deciding factor in this scenario. Finally, while a vessel that is towing may have specific navigation considerations, it still must adhere to the same principles in a head-on situation, meaning it does not automatically gain a right-of-way that negates the need for both parties to alter course. Thus, both vessels must maneuver accordingly, which is effectively fulfilled by each altering course to starboard.