Question 20 GLI02 - Mate of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (Correct Answer):** Option D, "not impede the passage of vessel 'B'," is correct because it directly addresses the obligations imposed by the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) in this specific scenario. 1. **Vessel Status:** Vessel "A" is a vessel engaged in fishing. Vessel "B" is a tanker, which, due to its size and potential draft, is highly likely to be a **vessel constrained by its draft (CBD)**, especially in a narrow channel. 2. **Narrow Channel Rule (Rule 9):** Rule 9(b) states that a vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a **sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.** While fishing vessels are generally granted privilege over other vessels (Rule 18), **Rule 18(d)(i)** makes an exception: vessels (including fishing vessels) **shall not impede the passage of a vessel constrained by its draft** navigating in a narrow channel. 3. **Whistle 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 that it is concerned that Vessel "A" might impede its safe passage, or that the intended action (maintaining course/speed) of Vessel "A" is dangerous. 4. **Action Required:** Given the rules requiring a fishing vessel not to impede a potentially CBD vessel in a narrow channel, the appropriate and mandatory action for Vessel "A" upon hearing the danger signal is to take immediate steps to ensure it does not impede Vessel "B$'s passage. **Explanation of Why Other Options Are Incorrect:** * **A) maintain course and speed:** This is incorrect. Maintaining course and speed would indicate that Vessel "A" is asserting its right of way, which it does not have over a Vessel Constrained by its Draft in a narrow channel (Rule 18(d)(i)). Furthermore, maintaining course and speed after hearing the danger signal (five blasts) suggests a dangerous situation or ignoring the impending threat. * **B) not answer the whistle signals from vessel "B":** This is incorrect. While the five-blast signal does not require a specific answer whistle, a vessel should never ignore a warning signal, especially in a narrow channel. Vessel "A" is obligated to take immediate maneuvering action to resolve the danger, which is a far more important response than just acknowledging the sound signal. * **C) sound one prolonged followed by two short blasts:** This signal (Rule 34(c)) is used by a power-driven vessel when overtaking another vessel and indicating that it intends to overtake on the port side of the vessel ahead. This signal is completely irrelevant to the situation where Vessel "A" (fishing) is responding to a danger signal from Vessel "B" (tanker/CBD).