Question 14 GLI05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 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 Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea (COLREGs). Rule 19(d) states that a vessel that detects by radar or hears the fog signal of another vessel apparently forward of the beam and a risk of collision exists shall take timely action to avoid collision. This action must be an altering of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, **or, if necessary, reducing speed to bare steerageway or stopping altogether.** Specifically, Rule 19(e) mandates the appropriate action when hearing a fog signal forward of the beam but not yet seeing the other vessel: > "Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist, every vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam the fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel forward of her beam, shall **reduce her speed to bare steerageway and if necessary take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until the danger of collision is over.**" Since the vessel is in restricted visibility, has heard a signal forward of the beam (20° on the starboard bow), and a risk of collision may exist, the immediate, mandatory, and safest action is to reduce speed to bare steerageway to buy time, assess the situation, and ensure the vessel can stop quickly if necessary. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side** This is incorrect because altering course to port for a vessel forward of the beam in restricted visibility is explicitly discouraged and often forbidden by Rule 19(d). An alteration of course must be made cautiously and deliberately after full assessment. More importantly, Rule 19(e) mandates reducing speed first when the vessel's position is still only known by sound. Arbitrarily turning left without visual contact increases uncertainty and risk. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel** This is incorrect for similar reasons as Option A. In restricted visibility, making a dramatic course alteration (especially crossing another vessel's path or changing direction significantly) before establishing visual contact or fully understanding the other vessel's course is dangerous and prohibited by the primary mandate of Rule 19(e), which requires reducing speed first. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you** While slowing engines is part of the process, the regulation specifically requires reducing speed to **"bare steerageway"** (the minimum speed needed to maintain directional control) and potentially taking all way off (stopping). Simply "slowing engines" is too vague and may not fulfill the requirement of navigating with extreme caution. Furthermore, the goal is not necessarily to "let the other vessel pass ahead," but to neutralize the risk by minimizing movement until the situation is clear, making C the more precise and legally correct action.