Question 14 GLI02 - Mate of Unlimited Tonnage

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). 1. **Rule 19(e):** This rule dictates the action required when a vessel detects the presence of another vessel by radar alone (or, by extension, by fog signal when the bearing is forward of the beam and a risk of collision exists), and hears its fog signal forward of the beam. 2. **Safety Requirement:** When a vessel determines that a risk of collision exists, or is unable to determine if a risk exists, she shall take avoiding action in ample time. 3. **Specific Action:** Rule 19(e) states that if a vessel hears the fog signal of another vessel apparently forward of her beam, or avoids a close-quarters situation, she shall **reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course (bare steerageway)**. If necessary, she shall take all way off and, in any event, navigate with extreme caution until the danger of collision is over. 4. **Analysis:** The situation describes being underway in restricted visibility, hearing a signal 20° on the starboard bow, with a risk of collision potentially existing. The immediate, mandatory action is to reduce speed drastically to ensure safety and allow time to assess the situation fully. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side** This action is strictly prohibited under Rule 19(d) for vessels operating in restricted visibility. Rule 19(d) states that a vessel which detects another vessel forward of the beam shall avoid: * An alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel she is overtaking. * An alteration of course towards a vessel abreast or abaft the beam. Altering course to port increases the risk of collision because it may place the vessel into the path of the approaching traffic, especially since the exact track and speed of the other vessel are uncertain. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel** While altering course to starboard is generally the preferred maneuver when taking action to avoid collision in clear weather (Rule 15/16), it is often inappropriate as an initial action in restricted visibility. When visibility is poor, the vessel should first reduce speed and assess the situation. An immediate course alteration before fully locating the other vessel and understanding its movement violates the principle of navigating with extreme caution and might lead to an immediate close-quarters situation or subsequent risk. Reduction of speed (C) is the required, cautious first step. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you** This option is incomplete and potentially insufficient. Simply "slowing engines" is too vague and might not achieve the required drastic reduction in speed. Rule 19(e) specifically requires reducing speed to **bare steerageway**. If simply "slowing engines" leaves too much residual speed, the vessel is not complying with the rule's requirement for navigating with extreme caution. The required action is a significant speed reduction, best encapsulated by "reduce your speed to bare steerageway" (C).