Question 13 MODU02 - Barge Supervisor

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for Option A (Correct):** Option A states, "Slow to minimum to maintain course and navigate with caution." This action is required by Rule 19(e)(i) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which applies to both International and Inland waters. Rule 19 governs the conduct of vessels in restricted visibility. Specifically, Rule 19(e) mandates that when a vessel detects the presence of another vessel forward of the beam by radar (or, as in this scenario, by hearing the fog signal of a vessel whose position is not definitely known), the vessel must take avoiding action in ample time. The initial required avoiding action specified by Rule 19(e)(i) is: **"she shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course."** Furthermore, all actions in restricted visibility must be taken with due regard to the prevailing circumstances and conditions, which necessitates navigating with caution. **Explanation for Other Options (Incorrect):** * **B) Slow to moderate speed and navigate with caution:** While reducing speed is necessary, Rule 19(e)(i) specifically requires reducing speed to the **minimum** required to maintain course, not merely a moderate reduction. A moderate speed may still be too fast to allow sufficient stopping distance or time for proper maneuver in close quarters. * **C) Stop engines and navigate with caution:** Stopping engines is an extreme action. While Rule 19(e)(ii) permits stopping the engines if the circumstances of the case admit, the *required* initial action is to reduce speed to minimum steerageway (Rule 19(e)(i)). Stopping the engines completely could cause the vessel to lose steerage rapidly, which might be dangerous or inhibit necessary controlled maneuvers. * **D) Maintain speed and sound five short and rapid blasts:** Maintaining speed is a direct violation of Rule 19(b), which requires every vessel to proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility, and Rule 19(e)(i) which requires reducing speed upon hearing a fog signal forward of the beam. Sounding five short and rapid blasts is the danger or doubt signal (Rule 34(d)), used when one vessel doubts the intentions of another, but it is not the required action upon merely hearing a fog signal ahead; the primary required action is speed reduction.