Question 14 ONC01 - Master/Chief Mate Unlimited Tonnage

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). Rule 19(e) states: "Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist, every vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam the fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel forward of her beam, shall reduce her speed to bare steerageway and if necessary take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until the danger of collision is over." In this scenario: 1. You are in restricted visibility. 2. You hear a vessel's fog signal forward of your beam (20° on the starboard bow). 3. Risk of collision may exist. Therefore, the primary and mandatory action is to immediately reduce speed to bare steerageway (the minimum speed required to maintain rudder control) and determine the closest point of approach (CPA) and the situation. ### Why Options A, B, and D are Incorrect **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side:** This action is dangerous and violates COLREGs. * **COLREGs Rule 19(d)(i)** strictly prohibits altering course to port for a vessel sighted forward of the beam in restricted visibility (if a vessel's presence is detected solely by fog signal or radar, or sight is inconclusive). Altering course to port increases the risk of crossing paths directly and violates the assumption that the other vessel may be taking action to starboard. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel:** This action is premature and potentially dangerous. * While an alteration to starboard is generally preferred if a maneuver is necessary, Rule 19 requires reducing speed first. Taking a definitive action like altering course before the other vessel's position, speed, and aspect are accurately known (which is difficult if only the fog signal is heard) is highly risky and violates the immediate requirement to slow down. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you:** This option is too vague and insufficient. * "Slow your engines" is not the precise action required. The regulation demands reducing speed specifically to **bare steerageway** (or taking all way off). Furthermore, waiting for the other vessel to "pass ahead" assumes you know the other vessel's course and speed, which is unlikely when only hearing a fog signal. The mandatory immediate action is a drastic reduction in speed to minimize the effects of any potential collision, aligning precisely with the requirement to reach bare steerageway.