Question 14 ONC02 - Second Mate/Third 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 required by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 19 (Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility). Rule 19(d) states that a vessel which hears the fog signal of another vessel forward of the beam (which 20° on the starboard bow certainly is), and believes a risk of collision exists, **shall take early action to avoid collision and, if necessary, shall reduce her speed to bare steerageway or even stop her engines completely.** The primary mandate is to slow down or stop until the danger is confirmed and assessed. Reducing speed to bare steerageway allows the vessel to maintain control while minimizing the impact risk and allowing more time to evaluate the situation using radar or sound bearings. ### 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(e)(i). When restricted visibility, except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist, a vessel hearing a fog signal forward of the beam **shall not alter course to port** for a vessel abaft the beam. This is an extremely dangerous maneuver because it crosses the path of the other vessel, often leading directly to a collision. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel:** While an alteration of course to starboard is generally preferred for passing in clear visibility (Rule 14 - Head-on situation), making a significant course alteration in restricted visibility before the other vessel's position, course, and speed are definitively known is premature and risky (Rule 19(e)). The immediate required action is to slow down or stop (Rule 19(d)). Altering course aggressively before definitive knowledge can lead to confusion and unintended close-quarters situations. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you:** This option is similar to C but is less precise regarding the required level of speed reduction. While slowing the engines is a step, the specific requirement under Rule 19(d) is to reduce speed to **bare steerageway** (or stop) to ensure the vessel is proceeding at a safe speed appropriate to the circumstances. Bare steerageway is the minimum speed needed to maintain directional control, which is the necessary level of caution required in this high-risk situation.