Question 12 ONC03 - Master LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Why option A ("take all way off, if necessary") is correct:** This question references Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), which applies both internationally and inland (where applicable). Specifically, Rule 19(e) addresses the action required when hearing a fog signal forward of the beam and risk of collision exists or cannot be avoided. 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 a vessel the position of which is not ascertained, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation, shall reduce her speed to a minimum at which she can be kept on her course. She shall if necessary take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until the danger of collision is over." Therefore, the requirement to "take all way off, if necessary" is the specific action mandated by COLREGS in this dangerous scenario. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) stop your engines:** While reducing speed and even stopping the vessel are required, the regulation requires reducing speed to the *minimum at which she can be kept on her course* and only taking all way off *if necessary*. Merely stopping the engines (which might not immediately take all way off) is an action, but it is not the full or primary mandated requirement, which is focused on speed reduction and potentially stopping the vessel's movement. The mandatory action includes taking all way off *if necessary*, which encompasses the engine action but is phrased more accurately in option A. * **C) begin a radar plot:** While prudent seamanship in restricted visibility requires the use of radar to detect risk of collision (Rule 19(d)), the requirement to take action upon *hearing* the fog signal when risk exists (Rule 19(e)) is specifically about immediate speed reduction and stopping. A vessel in restricted visibility is expected to be using radar constantly, and while plotting may be ongoing or necessary, it is a tool for *ascertaining* the risk, not the primary mandatory collision avoidance *action* required by Rule 19(e) upon determining the risk is present or cannot be avoided. * **D) All of the above:** Since options B and C are not the primary, specific legal requirement in Rule 19(e), this option is incorrect.