Question 14 FCP01 - First Class Pilot

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct: Option C, **"reduce your speed to bare steerageway,"** is the correct action based on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility). * **Rule 19(d)(i)** states that a vessel that hears the fog signal of another vessel forward of the beam, and believes a risk of collision exists, shall take avoiding action. * **Rule 19(e)** further mandates that any vessel required to take avoiding action under Rule 19 must "reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course (bare steerageway)." If necessary, she must take all way off. The purpose of this rule is to maximize the time available for both vessels to assess the situation using radar, sound, and other available means, and to ensure that any maneuver, if taken, is deliberate and effective once the other vessel’s position is clearer. Since the other vessel is detected forward of the beam (20° on the starboard bow), the primary immediate action is to reduce speed drastically. ### Why the Other Options are Incorrect: **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side:** This action is dangerous and violates COLREGs. * **Rule 19(d)(ii)** explicitly forbids an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam (other than a vessel being overtaken). Altering course to port often increases the risk of collision by swinging the bow into the potential path of the approaching vessel, especially since the exact track and distance of the other vessel are still unknown. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel:** While altering course to starboard is generally preferred in clear visibility crossing situations, it is premature and potentially dangerous in restricted visibility when the other vessel's precise position, course, and speed are uncertain. * **Rule 19(d)** requires that any avoiding action must be timely and substantial. Altering course without significantly reducing speed and before positively establishing the other vessel’s situation violates the cautionary principle of Rule 19. The immediate priority is reducing speed (Rule 19(e)). **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you:** This option is similar to C but is less precise and less effective. While "slowing engines" is part of the process, the required action is specifically to reduce speed to the **minimum at which the vessel can be kept on course** (bare steerageway). Simply "slowing engines" might not achieve the necessary drastic reduction in speed required by Rule 19(e). Furthermore, the action mandated by the rule is focused on ensuring safety by stopping the vessel's forward progress, not relying on the unconfirmed assumption that the other vessel will pass ahead.