Question 14 GLI03 - Master-LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is C ### Explanation of Correct Option (C) **C) reduce your speed to bare steerageway** This action is required under Rule 19(e) (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility) of the COLREGs. Rule 19(e) states that except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist, every vessel hearing the fog signal of another vessel forward of her beam (20° on the starboard bow qualifies as forward of the beam), 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. The primary action when hearing a fog signal forward of the beam, especially when risk of collision may exist, is immediate caution and reduction of momentum, giving maximum time to assess the situation. ### Explanation of Incorrect Options **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side** This is highly dangerous and explicitly cautioned against in restricted visibility (Rule 19(d)(i)). When a vessel is detected forward of the beam, altering course to port risks turning directly into a potential head-on encounter, especially if the other vessel is on a reciprocal or near-reciprocal course. Course alteration should generally be avoided until the position and course of the other vessel are clearly known and assessed. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel** While altering to starboard is generally the safe direction for avoiding action, taking a course alteration *before* reducing speed and determining the other vessel’s course and speed is premature and dangerous under Rule 19(e). The mandatory initial action is to reduce speed/stop. An immediate course alteration, especially when the other vessel’s exact position is only known via sound, could worsen the situation. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you** While reducing speed is part of the correct action, this option is incomplete and makes an unwarranted assumption. "Slowing engines" is less specific than reducing speed to **bare steerageway** (the minimum needed to maintain course), which is the precise requirement of Rule 19(e). Furthermore, "letting the other vessel pass ahead of you" assumes knowledge of the other vessel’s course, which is uncertain in restricted visibility. The required action is cautious reduction of speed, not presuming a specific passing arrangement.