Question 14 GLI01 - Master-Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct Option C, **reduce your speed to bare steerageway**, is the correct action according to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 19 (Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility). 1. **Rule 19(d)(i)** states that a vessel that detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing or risk of collision exists. If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time. 2. **Rule 19(e)** dictates the action for a vessel hearing the fog signal of another vessel forward of the beam (or one that cannot be avoided by course alteration alone). This rule explicitly requires the vessel to: * Reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course (i.e., bare steerageway). * If necessary, take all way off and, in any event, navigate with extreme caution until the danger of collision is over. Since the vessel is underway in restricted visibility and hears a signal 20° on the starboard bow, indicating the other vessel is forward of the beam, the primary and mandatory action is to reduce speed as required by Rule 19(e). ### Why the Other Options are Incorrect **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side** * **Incorrect under Rule 19(d)(ii):** When taking action in restricted visibility, a vessel shall *avoid* a change of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam (other than a vessel being overtaken). Altering course to port increases the risk of collision in a head-on or crossing situation when visibility is poor, as it can lead to confusion about intentions. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel** * **Incorrect under Rule 19(d)(ii) and (e):** While altering course to starboard is generally preferred over port when taking avoiding action (Rule 19(d)(ii) permits a change of course to starboard, provided it is not for a vessel abaft the beam), the mandatory initial action prescribed by Rule 19(e) when hearing a vessel forward of the beam is to reduce speed. Changing course is only appropriate if it is determined that risk of collision exists and sufficient sea room and time are available. When hearing a fog signal close by, the immediate safety measure is reducing speed. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you** * **Incorrect (Incomplete/Passive):** While slowing engines is part of the solution, the term "let the other vessel pass ahead of you" implies a passive action or assumption about the other vessel's course, which is dangerous in restricted visibility. COLREGs requires the vessel to actively reduce speed to **bare steerageway** (minimum speed to maintain course) and potentially take all way off. This ensures the vessel is prepared to stop immediately if necessary, rather than merely slowing down and waiting. Option C is the precise and mandatory requirement defined by Rule 19(e).