Question 15 GLI04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for A (Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel.) being correct:** The scenario involves two power-driven vessels crossing in restricted visibility (fog), and crucially, they are **NOT in sight of one another**. This situation is governed by Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility) of the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea). Rule 19 overrides the standard crossing rules (Rule 15) when vessels are navigating solely by instruments or sound signals. Rule 19 emphasizes caution and reduction of speed when a vessel hears a fog signal forward of the beam. Under Rule 19, there is no designated "stand-on" (or privileged) vessel; both vessels are considered "give-way" vessels (or burdened vessels) and must take immediate, proactive steps to avoid collision, which typically involves reducing speed to bare steerageway or stopping. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) The vessel which hears the other vessel's fog signal first:** The time at which a signal is heard does not confer stand-on status. Both vessels are equally obligated by Rule 19 to act cautiously upon hearing the signal. * **C) The vessel which has the other on her own starboard side:** This is the definition of the "give-way" vessel under standard crossing rules (Rule 15). However, Rule 15 applies only when vessels are in sight of one another. Since they are in fog and not in sight, Rule 19 applies, nullifying the standard crossing rules and the concept of a stand-on vessel. * **D) The vessel which has the other on her own port side:** This is the definition of the "stand-on" vessel under standard crossing rules (Rule 15). However, Rule 15 does not apply in restricted visibility when vessels are not in sight. Therefore, stand-on status cannot be claimed.