Question 13 ONC02 - Second Mate/Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for Option A (Correct):** Option A states to "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 (as the Inland Rules generally mirror Rule 19). Rule 19 specifically addresses the conduct of vessels in restricted visibility. Rule 19(e) mandates that if a vessel detects the presence of another vessel forward of the beam by radar or hears the fog signal of an apparently approaching vessel (as is the case here), it shall take early action to avoid a close-quarters situation. The specific requirement in Rule 19(e)(i) is to "reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course." Furthermore, all actions taken in restricted visibility must be executed with caution, as stated in the final paragraph of Rule 19(e), making Option A the accurate and complete requirement. **Explanation for Other Options (Incorrect):** * **B) Slow to moderate speed and navigate with caution:** While reducing speed is correct, "moderate speed" is not the required reduction. The Rule requires reducing speed to the *minimum* at which the vessel can maintain steerage (Rule 19(e)(i)), which is a much stricter requirement than merely slowing to a moderate speed. * **C) Stop engines and navigate with caution:** While stopping engines might sometimes be necessary if danger is imminent, the initial mandatory action is to reduce speed to the minimum for steerage (Rule 19(e)(i)). Stopping the engines completely might cause the vessel to lose steerage way and make navigation more difficult, violating the requirement to maintain course. * **D) Maintain speed and sound five short and rapid blasts:** Maintaining speed in restricted visibility when you hear a fog signal ahead is extremely dangerous and directly violates Rule 19, which requires reducing speed. Sounding five short and rapid blasts (the danger signal) is used to indicate that the vessel is unsure of the other vessel's intentions or that a collision danger exists. While sounding the danger signal might be appropriate if evasive action is taken, it does not replace the mandatory requirement to reduce speed, and maintaining speed is explicitly forbidden.