Question 15 MODU01 - Offshore Installation Manager

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for A (Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel.) being correct:** The situation described involves two vessels crossing in fog (restricted visibility) that are **not in sight of one another**. In restricted visibility, the steering and sailing rules related to determining 'stand-on' and 'give-way' status based on the vessel type (e.g., Rule 18) or based on direction (e.g., Rule 15 for crossing situations) **do not apply** until the vessels are in sight of one another. Instead, Rule 19 (Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility) governs the actions. Specifically, Rule 19(d) states that a vessel that hears the fog signal of another vessel apparently forward of her beam, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel forward of her beam, **shall reduce her speed to bare steerageway or, if necessary, take all way off**. Rule 19(e) mandates that if a vessel determines that a close-quarters situation is being avoided, she must take timely and substantial action. Crucially, **Rule 19 does not assign the roles of stand-on or give-way vessel.** Both vessels are required to act defensively, reduce speed, and take avoiding action if necessary, making neither vessel the stand-on vessel. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) The vessel which hears the other vessel's fog signal first:** Hearing the signal first triggers requirements under Rule 19 (such as reducing speed or stopping), but it does not grant stand-on status. In restricted visibility, both vessels are required to act defensively regardless of who hears the signal first. * **C) The vessel which has the other on her own starboard side:** This criteria (the vessel to starboard is the stand-on vessel) is established by Rule 15 (Crossing Situation) but **only applies when vessels are in sight of one another** (Rules 11-18). It is irrelevant when vessels are not in sight in fog (Rule 19). * **D) The vessel which has the other on her own port side:** This vessel would normally be the 'give-way' vessel under Rule 15 if the vessels were in sight, but since they are not in sight in fog, Rule 19 applies, and the roles of stand-on and give-way are suspended.