Question 14 GLI07 - OUPV

The Correct Answer is C ### Explanation of Correct Option (C) **Option C: reduce your speed to bare steerageway** is correct because it aligns directly with the requirements of Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Rule 19(e) states, regarding a vessel detecting the presence of another vessel by radar or hearing its fog signal forward of the beam: > "If a vessel hears the fog signal of another vessel apparently forward of her beam, she shall reduce her speed to a minimum at which she can be kept on her course and, if necessary, take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over." Hearing the fog signal 20° on the starboard bow, with risk of collision existing, means the vessel must immediately reduce speed to the minimum necessary for steerage (bare steerageway) to allow maximum time and distance for assessing the situation and avoiding collision. ### Explanation of Incorrect Options **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side:** This action is generally prohibited when maneuvering to avoid collision with a vessel whose position is only known by fog signal and is forward of the beam. Rule 19(d) states that a vessel which detects another vessel forward of the beam shall *not* alter course to port for a vessel forward of the beam (other than a vessel she has overtaken). Altering course to port increases the risk by swinging the bow into the potential path of the approaching vessel. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel:** While altering course to starboard is the preferred direction for maneuvering, doing so without full knowledge of the other vessel’s course and speed in restricted visibility is premature and risky. Rule 19 prioritizes reducing speed first. Maneuvering should only be initiated after a full assessment, and often, the initial action should be to stop or slow down to determine if the risk is decreasing or increasing. Altering course when hearing a signal forward of the beam is typically only done to starboard, but the primary and immediate requirement is slowing down. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you:** This option is similar to C but is less precise regarding the required action. While slowing engines is necessary, the mandatory action under Rule 19(e) is to reduce speed to a **minimum at which the vessel can be kept on course** (i.e., bare steerageway) or take all way off. Simply "slowing engines" might not meet the statutory requirement of reducing speed sufficiently. Furthermore, taking action based on the *assumption* that the other vessel will pass ahead (implying the vessel is holding its course) is dangerous in restricted visibility where relative movement is uncertain. The primary duty is risk mitigation through speed reduction, not assuming a favorable outcome.