Question 15 ONC01 - Master/Chief Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is A ### 1. Why Option A is Correct **Option A ("Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel.") is correct because of Rule 19 (Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility) of the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea), which applies both internationally and inland (with some regional variations that do not alter the core principle here).** Rule 19(d) states that a vessel which hears the fog signal of another vessel apparently forward of the beam, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with an approaching vessel forward of the beam, **shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course and shall if necessary take all her way off.** Rule 19 is distinct from the normal 'Steering and Sailing Rules' (Rules 11-18) which assign clear 'stand-on' and 'give-way' roles based on situations like crossing or overtaking. When restricted visibility rules apply (like when vessels crossing in fog are NOT in sight of one another), the standard crossing rules (Rule 15) and their assignment of stand-on status **do not yet apply**. Instead, both vessels must treat the situation as a potential risk of collision in restricted visibility. Both vessels have an affirmative duty to take appropriate action (reduce speed, proceed with caution, and take avoiding action in ample time if risk develops), but neither is granted the privilege or responsibility of being the "stand-on" vessel that is required to maintain course and speed. ### 2. Why Other Options are Incorrect **B) The vessel which hears the other vessel's fog signal first** **Incorrect.** Hearing a fog signal first only indicates proximity. It places a duty of extreme caution on the vessel that hears it (Rule 19(d)), but it does not assign stand-on status. Both vessels have duties under Rule 19 regardless of who hears what first. **C) The vessel which has the other on her own starboard side** **Incorrect.** This describes the **give-way** vessel under normal crossing rules (Rule 15) when vessels are **in sight** of one another. Since the vessels are crossing in fog and are NOT in sight, Rule 15 does not apply. Applying Rule 15 would be dangerous and contrary to the specific requirements of Rule 19. **D) The vessel which has the other on her own port side** **Incorrect.** This describes the **stand-on** vessel under normal crossing rules (Rule 15) when vessels are **in sight** of one another. Since the vessels are crossing in fog and are NOT in sight, Rule 15 does not apply, and no stand-on status is assigned. Both vessels must proceed under the cautious requirements of Rule 19.