Question 21 GLI02 - Mate of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is C 1. **Explanation of C (Correct Option):** Option C ("not result in another close-quarters situation") is a direct mandate found in Rule 8(d) of both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the Inland Rules. Rule 8 (Action to avoid collision) specifies how actions must be taken, and subsection (d) states: "Action taken to avoid collision shall be positive, shall be made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship and, if the circumstances of the case admit, shall be such as not to result in another close-quarters situation." This is a fundamental requirement for effective collision avoidance maneuvering. 2. **Explanation of A (Incorrect Option):** Option A ("include a speed change") is incorrect because while a change in speed (either reducing speed or stopping) is an excellent and often required maneuver (especially for the stand-on vessel or in poor visibility), Rule 8 states that action taken should be "a substantial alteration of course and/or speed." The use of "and/or" means that a course change alone, or a speed change alone, or both together, are permissible, provided the alteration is substantial and effective. It is not mandatory to always include a speed change. 3. **Explanation of B (Incorrect Option):** Option B ("be accompanied by sound signals") is incorrect. Sound signals are required *only* when vessels are maneuvering in sight of one another (Rules 34 and 35) and specifically when altering course, reversing engines, or in restricted visibility. They are not universally required for *any* action taken to avoid collision. For example, if a vessel takes avoiding action solely by reducing speed without shifting gears to reverse, or if the action is taken far in advance of a close-quarters situation, a sound signal may not be necessary under the rules. Furthermore, sound signals are specifically *not* used to communicate risk of collision itself (that is done by VHF or other means); they are used to communicate immediate maneuver intentions. 4. **Explanation of D (Incorrect Option):** Option D ("All of the above") is incorrect because options A and B are not universally mandatory requirements for *all* collision avoidance action.