Question 13 ONC01 - Master/Chief Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation of 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)(i) mandates that if a vessel detects the presence of another vessel forward of the beam whose position cannot be ascertained, it shall reduce its speed to the minimum at which it can be kept on her course and shall, if necessary, take all way off. Navigating with caution is always required in restricted visibility. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **B) Slow to moderate speed and navigate with caution:** Rule 19 requires speed to be reduced to the *minimum* necessary to maintain steerage (way off if necessary), not just a "moderate speed." A moderate speed may still be too fast to avoid a collision if a close-quarters situation develops unexpectedly. **C) Stop engines and navigate with caution:** While taking way off may be necessary (which often involves stopping engines), simply stopping the engines is not the primary or complete requirement. The primary requirement is to reduce speed to the minimum necessary to maintain course, ensuring the vessel still has steerage way, and only taking all way off if the situation dictates it (Rule 19(e)(i)). **D) Maintain speed and sound five short and rapid blasts:** Maintaining speed is a direct violation of Rule 19(e)(i). Five short and rapid blasts is a danger signal (Rule 34(d)) indicating that the vessel does not understand the other vessel's intentions or doubts if sufficient action is being taken by the other vessel to avoid collision. While the danger signal might be sounded if the situation rapidly deteriorates, it is not the initial required action when first hearing a fog signal ahead. The required initial action is the reduction of speed.