Question 13 GLI07 - OUPV

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation of Option A (Correct):** Option A, "Slow to minimum to maintain course and navigate with caution," 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 underway in restricted visibility (like heavy fog) hears the fog signal of another vessel apparently forward of her beam, or when an "immediate danger of collision exists," Rule 19(e) mandates two key actions: 1. **Reduce speed to bare minimum:** The vessel must "reduce her speed to a minimum at which she can be kept on her course." This is the "minimum to maintain course" aspect. 2. **Take precautions:** The vessel must navigate with "extreme caution until danger of collision is over." Therefore, slowing to the minimum speed necessary to maintain steering control and proceeding with caution fulfills the requirements of the Rule. **Explanation of Other Options (Incorrect):** * **B) Slow to moderate speed and navigate with caution:** This is incorrect because "moderate speed" is not defined and may still be too fast to allow proper time for assessment and action. Rule 19 specifically requires reducing speed to the *minimum* necessary for steerage. * **C) Stop engines and navigate with caution:** This is incorrect unless stopping is absolutely necessary to avoid immediate collision. Simply stopping the engines means the vessel loses steerage way immediately, making controlled maneuvering impossible, which could actually increase danger. The rule requires maintaining the ability to steer (maintaining course). * **D) Maintain speed and sound five short and rapid blasts:** This is severely incorrect. Maintaining speed in restricted visibility when a threat is ahead is dangerous and a violation of Rule 19. Furthermore, sounding five short and rapid blasts (the danger signal, Rule 34(d)) is used to indicate that the vessel is confused about the other vessel’s intentions or actions, but it does not replace the mandated requirement to slow down and take caution under Rule 19.