Question 14 MODU02 - Barge Supervisor

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct Option C, **"reduce your speed to bare steerageway,"** is the correct action according to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility). 1. **Rule 19(d)(i)** states that a vessel that hears the fog signal of another vessel forward of the beam and believes a risk of collision exists shall "reduce her speed to bare steerageway." 2. **Rule 19(e)** further emphasizes that if necessary, the vessel must take all way off and "in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over." 3. The situation described (restricted visibility, vessel heard 20° on the starboard bow, risk of collision exists) demands immediate caution and a reduction in speed to allow time to assess the situation and avoid taking premature, potentially dangerous, maneuvering action. Bare steerageway is the minimum speed required to maintain control over the vessel's direction. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side** This action is specifically prohibited by **Rule 19(d)(ii)** in restricted visibility if the vessel is forward of the beam. Altering course to port to pass ahead of a vessel encountered forward of the beam is dangerous and against the fundamental principles of safe navigation, especially when the other vessel's course and speed are uncertain. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel** While altering course to starboard is the preferred direction of turn when avoiding a collision in clear weather (Rule 15/16), initiating a major course change in restricted visibility based only on sound is highly risky. **Rule 19** prioritizes reducing speed and waiting until the location and intentions of the other vessel are confirmed before maneuvering. Taking an aggressive course alteration (such as B) without visual confirmation could lead the vessel directly into the path of the other vessel if it is also maneuvering or if the bearing is changing rapidly. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you** This option is similar to C but is less precise and potentially insufficient. While slowing engines is part of the action, the specific requirement under Rule 19 is to reduce speed to **bare steerageway** (or stop way entirely), ensuring maximum control while minimizing forward movement. Merely "slowing engines" might still leave the vessel with too much momentum and insufficient time to react if the situation escalates quickly. Option C provides the mandatory, defined action required by the rule.