Question 14 GLI06 - Master or Mate of LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct Option C, "reduce your speed to bare steerageway," is the correct action required by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 19 (Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility). When a vessel hears the fog signal of another vessel forward of the beam (in this case, 20° on the starboard bow), and a risk of collision is deemed to exist (or even suspected), Rule 19(d) dictates the immediate action: * **Rule 19(d)(i):** A vessel shall reduce her speed to bare steerageway. * **Rule 19(d)(ii):** If necessary, she shall take all her way off and, in any event, navigate with extreme caution until the danger of collision is over. The purpose is to minimize the effects of a potential collision and allow maximum time and distance for both vessels to assess the situation before taking a substantive maneuvering action based on visual information (which is currently unavailable). ### Why the Other Options are Incorrect **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side** This action is explicitly forbidden by COLREGs Rule 19(d)(iii). This rule states that, unless it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist, a vessel hearing a signal forward of the beam **shall not alter course to port** for a vessel abaft the beam. Altering course to port increases the risk of a head-on collision or turning into the path of the other vessel before its movements are known. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel** While turning to starboard is generally the maneuvering action taken in clear visibility, taking a radical course alteration (either to port or starboard) solely based on sound signals in restricted visibility is dangerous. Rule 19 prioritizes speed reduction first. Making a significant course alteration without knowing the precise position, course, and speed of the other vessel can lead to turning directly into its path. The primary action must be speed reduction to gain time and information. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you** This option is too vague and insufficient compared to C. While slowing engines is necessary, COLREGs requires reducing speed specifically "to bare steerageway." Simply slowing down might still leave too much way on the vessel. Furthermore, presuming the other vessel will pass ahead is an assumption based only on the sound bearing, which is unreliable in a dense fog. The required action is a definitive reduction of speed, not simply waiting for the other vessel to pass.