Question 14 GLI04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

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(d)(i)** states that a vessel that hears the fog signal of another vessel forward of the beam, and believes a risk of collision exists, shall take avoiding action. 2. **Rule 19(e)** further emphasizes that every vessel that hears, apparently forward of the beam, the fog signal of another vessel whose position has not been ascertained, shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course (i.e., bare steerageway). If necessary, she must take all way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until the danger of collision is over. Since the vessel is underway in restricted visibility, the fog signal is heard forward of the beam (20° on the starboard bow), and a risk of collision may exist, the immediate and mandatory action is to reduce speed to bare steerageway. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side** This is incorrect because COLREGs Rule 19(d)(ii) strictly prohibits altering course to port for a vessel heard forward of the beam in restricted visibility, especially if the other vessel's position and course have not been definitely ascertained. Such an alteration increases the risk of collision (by potentially turning into the path of the other vessel). **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel** While altering course to starboard is generally preferred in clear visibility to avoid collision, making any course alteration based solely on a fog signal in restricted visibility, before the other vessel is sighted and its course known, is dangerous and contrary to Rule 19. The primary action must be speed reduction and ascertainment of the other vessel's intentions. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you** This option is insufficient and less comprehensive than C. While slowing engines is part of the solution, the requirement is to reduce speed specifically to **bare steerageway** (or take all way off), ensuring the vessel is moving at the minimum speed necessary to maintain course control. Simply "slowing your engines" does not meet the strict regulatory requirement of reducing speed to the minimum necessary for maneuverability when a close-quarters situation is suspected forward of the beam.