Question 20 GLI05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is D. **Explanation for Option D (Correct Answer):** Option D, "not impede the passage of vessel 'B'", is the correct action because it directly addresses the requirements of the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) regarding vessels in narrow channels and the meaning of Vessel B's signal. 1. **Narrow Channel Rule (Rule 9):** Rule 9(b) explicitly states that a vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a **sailing vessel** shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway. While Vessel A is engaged in fishing (Rule 3(g) defines it as a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver), Rule 18 (Responsibilities between Vessels) places the burden on Vessel A (a fishing vessel) to keep clear of Vessel B (a power-driven vessel constrained by its draft, likely due to its size as a tanker). However, in the context of a narrow channel, the overriding principle is Rule 9. 2. **Meaning of Five Short Blasts (Rule 34(d)):** Vessel B, sounding five short and rapid blasts, is indicating **doubt** or apprehension that the current intentions or actions of Vessel A are insufficient to ensure safety, specifically that Vessel A is not taking sufficient action to allow B to proceed safely through the channel (i.e., A appears to be impeding B). 3. **Required Action:** Given that Vessel A is in a narrow channel and is clearly impeding a vessel that is constrained by the channel dimensions (Vessel B, a tanker), Vessel A must immediately take action to ensure it does not impede Vessel B’s safe passage, usually by moving out of the way or ceasing the activity that is causing the impediment. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** **A) maintain course and speed:** This is incorrect. Vessel B has signaled doubt (five short blasts), indicating a dangerous situation or the perception that Vessel A is impeding its safe passage. Maintaining course and speed in response to a danger/doubt signal would be reckless and violate the requirement to take effective action to avoid collision. **B) not answer the whistle signals from vessel "B":** This is incorrect. While the five-blast signal is not a proposing maneuver signal that requires an immediate, specific answer signal (like 1 or 2 blasts), it is a warning of danger or doubt. A vessel that hears this signal must acknowledge the warning by taking appropriate evasive action (i.e., not impeding), which may involve changing course or speed immediately, not simply ignoring the warning. **C) sound one prolonged followed by two short blasts:** This signal (Rule 34(e)) is used by a vessel fishing to indicate that it is moving into a narrow channel and requires other vessels to exercise caution. Vessel A is already engaged in fishing and appears to be obstructing Vessel B. Sounding this signal now would be inappropriate, confusing, and does not address the immediate danger or the requirement to yield to the tanker in the narrow channel.