Question 14 ONC04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct Option C, "reduce your speed to bare steerageway," is the correct action according to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility). * **Rule 19(d)(i)** states that a vessel which hears the fog signal of another vessel forward of the beam, and which considers that a risk of collision exists, shall reduce its speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course (bare steerageway). If necessary, she must take all way off. * The vessel hears the signal 20° on the starboard bow, which is forward of the beam, and the premise states that risk of collision may exist. In restricted visibility, the primary goal is to minimize speed and avoid major course alterations until the other vessel's intentions and position are definitively known. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side** * **Incorrect (Rule 19(d)(ii)):** This rule specifically prohibits altering course to port for a vessel forward of the beam when a risk of collision exists in restricted visibility. Altering course to port increases the danger, as it could turn the vessel directly into the path of the oncoming vessel, especially if that vessel is also maneuvering. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel** * **Incorrect (Rule 19(e)):** While there is no explicit prohibition on turning starboard, any major alteration of course or speed must be avoided until the position of the other vessel is ascertained and the collision risk is confirmed. In restricted visibility, making a bold course change (like altering to starboard) without knowing the other vessel's exact position or direction is premature and inherently dangerous. The immediate requirement under Rule 19(d) is speed reduction, not course alteration. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you** * **Incorrect (Lacking Specificity/Insufficient Action):** While slowing engines is part of the solution, the term "slow your engines" is insufficient compared to the explicit requirement to "reduce speed to bare steerageway" (or take all way off). Furthermore, "let the other vessel pass ahead of you" implies an assumption of the other vessel's course and speed, which is dangerous in restricted visibility. The correct action is to reduce speed immediately and only maneuver once the situation is clarified.