What is the purpose of the clock-method described for approaching boats?

• A. To determine if you are the stand-on or give-way vessel.
• B. To identify the color of another boat's lights.
• C. To determine the distance to another vessel.
• D. To decide which horn signal to use.

Answer: (A)

The clock-method is a quick visual aid for judging right-of-way when two boats approach each other. It lets you picture the other vessel’s position on a clock face relative to your own boat, so you can decide who should keep their course and speed (the stand-on vessel) and who should take action to avoid a collision (the give-way vessel). In practice, if the other boat appears on your starboard side, you’re the one who must yield; if it’s on your port side or ahead, you typically remain the stand-on vessel and maintain course. This method directly serves determining whether you are the stand-on or give-way vessel. The other options—color of lights, distance, or horn signals—are governed by separate rules and aren’t what the clock-method is for.