Question 15 GLI01 - Master-Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is A ### Explanation for Option A (Correct) Option A, "Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel," is correct because of the mandates set forth in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 19 (Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility). Rule 19 supersedes the normal 'Stand-on/Give-way' rules (Rules 12-18) when vessels are navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility (like fog) and are not in sight of one another. When two vessels are crossing in fog and hear the fog signal of the other forward of the beam (and are not in sight), Rule 19(d) requires that **each vessel** take timely action to reduce her speed to bare steerageway or, if necessary, take all way off. Furthermore, Rule 19(e) states that if a risk of collision is deemed to exist, a vessel hearing the signal forward of the beam **must not** turn to port for a vessel amidships or abaft the beam, and should be highly cautious about any alteration of course. Crucially, in these circumstances (restricted visibility, vessels not in sight, risk of collision), the general crossing rule (Rule 15), which defines stand-on and give-way roles based on bearing, **does not apply**. Both vessels are treated as "power-driven vessels making way," and both are obligated under Rule 19 to take cautious, avoiding action (often slowing down or stopping), meaning neither vessel is assigned the privileged role of the "stand-on" vessel. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **B) The vessel which hears the other vessel's fog signal first** Incorrect. COLREGs do not assign navigational status (stand-on or give-way) based on the sequence in which fog signals are detected. The primary requirement upon hearing a signal forward of the beam is to assess the situation and reduce speed immediately, regardless of who heard whom first. **C) The vessel which has the other on her own starboard side** Incorrect. This describes the **give-way** vessel under the normal Rule 15 (Crossing Situation). However, Rule 19 dictates that Rule 15 (and the corresponding roles) is suspended when vessels are not in sight of one another in restricted visibility. Both vessels are required to take similar, cautious action. **D) The vessel which has the other on her own port side** Incorrect. This describes the **stand-on** vessel under the normal Rule 15 (Crossing Situation). As explained above, Rule 19 supersedes the crossing rules when vessels are not in sight in fog, meaning the stand-on role is not assigned to either vessel.