Question 13 GLI03 - Master-LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for Option A (Correct):** Option A states, "Slow to minimum to maintain course and navigate with caution." This action is required under Rule 19(e)(i) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which applies to both International and Inland waters (as the Inland Rules generally mirror COLREG Rule 19). Rule 19, pertaining to conduct of vessels in restricted visibility (like heavy fog), specifically addresses what a vessel must do when it hears the fog signal of an apparently approaching vessel that is forward of its beam. The rule requires that the vessel: 1. Reduce its speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course. 2. If necessary, take all way off and navigate with extreme caution until the danger of collision is over. Slowing to the minimum required speed allows the vessel maximum reaction time and reduces the energy involved if a collision does occur, while still maintaining steerage. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** **B) Slow to moderate speed and navigate with caution:** "Moderate speed" is an arbitrary and potentially too fast speed in heavy fog, especially when approaching another vessel. Rule 19 requires reducing speed to the *minimum* necessary, not just a moderate speed. **C) Stop engines and navigate with caution:** While Rule 19 allows taking all way off (which often involves stopping engines), it first requires slowing to the minimum speed to maintain course. Stopping the engines completely and taking all way off is only necessary if the danger is imminent or if maintaining course is no longer possible or advisable. As a required immediate action, the requirement is to slow to the *minimum to maintain course*, making A the more universally correct initial step. **D) Maintain speed and sound five short and rapid blasts:** Maintaining speed is a violation of Rule 19, which requires reducing speed in restricted visibility when an approaching vessel is detected forward of the beam. Sounding five short and rapid blasts is the danger/doubt signal, used to express doubt about the other vessel's actions or intentions, and is typically used when the vessels are in sight of one another or close quarters (Rule 34(d)). In heavy fog, the required signals are the regulated fog signals (Rule 35), not the doubt signal.