Question 20 GLI01 - Master-Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (Correct Answer):** Option D, "not impede the passage of vessel 'B'," is the correct action because it directly addresses the situation governed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). 1. **Vessel B's Status:** Vessel "B" is a tanker proceeding in a narrow channel. Rule 9(a) (Narrow Channels) states that a vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable. More importantly, Rule 9(b) and Rule 18 both emphasize the priority of certain vessels. Tankers are typically large, deep-draft vessels, making them restricted in their ability to maneuver outside the channel. 2. **Vessel A's Status:** Vessel "A" is engaged in fishing. According to Rule 18(a)(ii) (Responsibilities Between Vessels), a vessel engaged in fishing shall keep out of the way of a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver (which large tankers often are, especially in confined spaces). Furthermore, Rule 9(c) explicitly states: "A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway." 3. **Vessel B's Signal:** Vessel "B" sounding five short and rapid blasts is the danger or doubt signal (Rule 34(d)). In this context, Vessel B is signaling to Vessel A that Vessel A is taking action that is causing danger or doubt, likely because Vessel A is impeding Vessel B's safe passage in the narrow channel. 4. **Required Action:** Since Vessel A (fishing vessel) is legally obligated not to impede Vessel B (vessel navigating in a narrow channel), Vessel A must take early and substantial action to ensure Vessel B's safe passage, meaning Vessel A must cease impeding Vessel B. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** **A) maintain course and speed:** This is incorrect. Rule 9(c) mandates that a fishing vessel must not impede passage in a narrow channel. Maintaining course and speed when being signaled by the danger signal (five blasts) indicates that the fishing vessel is actively impeding the passage and ignoring the danger. **B) not answer the whistle signals from vessel "B":** This is incorrect. While the five-blast signal (danger signal) doesn't specifically require an immediate whistle response under Rule 34(d), ignoring the signal and the underlying dangerous situation is poor seamanship and violates the fundamental duty to avoid collision and maintain safe navigation, especially when the vessel being signaled (Vessel A) is legally obligated not to impede the other vessel (Vessel B). Vessel A must take action, not just remain silent. **C) sound one prolonged followed by two short blasts:** This signal is defined in Rule 34(c) as the signal used when overtaking in a narrow channel on the port side. Vessel A is not overtaking Vessel B, nor is this signal appropriate for acknowledging the danger signal or resolving an impeding situation. Vessel A's required action is maneuvering, not signaling an overtaking intent.