Question 13 ONC03 - Master LT 500-1600 GRT

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 under Rule 19(e) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which applies to vessels navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility (such as heavy fog). Rule 19(e) specifically mandates that if a vessel hears the fog signal of another vessel apparently forward of the beam, and the risk of collision exists, the vessel *shall* reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course. If necessary, the vessel shall take all way off and, in any event, navigate with extreme caution until the danger of collision is over. Slowing to the minimum speed to maintain control is the necessary first action. **Explanation for Other Options (Incorrect):** * **B) Slow to moderate speed and navigate with caution:** While navigating with caution is required, slowing only to a "moderate speed" is insufficient and violates Rule 19(e). The rule requires reducing speed to the *minimum* necessary to maintain course, not merely reducing speed somewhat. * **C) Stop engines and navigate with caution:** Stopping engines might be required as the next step if necessary (taking all way off), but the immediate requirement is to reduce speed to the minimum necessary to maintain steerage (Rule 19(e)). Stopping engines immediately might cause the vessel to lose control before the master can fully assess the situation. Furthermore, stopping engines doesn't automatically fulfill the requirement to maintain minimum steerage. * **D) Maintain speed and sound five short and rapid blasts:** Maintaining speed in restricted visibility when a vessel is heard forward of the beam is strictly prohibited by Rule 19(e). Sounding five short and rapid blasts is the danger signal (Rule 34(d)), used when doubt exists as to the other vessel's intentions or actions, but this signal is not the primary required action when hearing a fog signal ahead; the primary action is speed reduction.