Question 14 MODU01 - Offshore Installation Manager

The Correct Answer is C ### Explanation of Why Option C is Correct Option C, "reduce your speed to bare steerageway," is the correct action based on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility). 1. **Rule 19(b)** mandates that every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. Power-driven vessels shall have their engines ready for immediate maneuver. 2. **Rule 19(d)** addresses hearing a fog signal forward of the beam. It states that if a vessel detects the presence of another vessel by radar or hears the fog signal of another vessel apparently forward of the beam, it shall take appropriate action to avoid collision. This action involves **reducing speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course (bare steerageway)**, or if necessary, taking all way off. 3. The situation described (underway, restricted visibility, signal heard 20° on the starboard bow, risk of collision existing) perfectly matches the criteria of Rule 19(d). The primary required action is to slow down or stop to allow time for the situation to develop and determine the precise position and course of the other vessel. ### Explanation of 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 significantly before the other vessel is sighted and its movement understood is inherently dangerous in restricted visibility. Furthermore, **Rule 19(e)** explicitly prohibits altering course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, except when it has been determined that a collision will be avoided by such action. Taking a large course change to port (crossing the bow of the other vessel) when its relative position is only vaguely known greatly increases the risk of collision. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel** While turning to starboard is generally preferred in collision avoidance (Rule 17), making a significant course alteration when you have only heard a fog signal and haven't visually sighted the other vessel is premature and risky. Rule 19 dictates speed reduction or stopping as the initial, most cautious maneuver, allowing you to ascertain the risk before committing to a major course change. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you** This option is too vague and potentially insufficient compared to option C. While slowing engines is necessary, the critical requirement under Rule 19(d) is to reduce speed to **bare steerageway** or stop entirely. Simply "slowing engines" might still leave the vessel proceeding too fast to be able to stop in time if the collision risk is imminent. Option C precisely matches the mandatory requirement specified in COLREGs Rule 19(d).