Question 13 ONC05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for Option A (Correct):** Option A states, "Slow to minimum to maintain course and navigate with caution." This action is required under Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility), specifically Rule 19(e)(i). This rule dictates the actions a vessel must take when detecting the presence of another vessel forward of the beam by radar (though the principle applies to detection by sound as well, especially when the signal indicates the vessel is ahead). More broadly, 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 another vessel, or which cannot avoid a vessel apparently forward of her beam shall reduce her speed to a minimum at which she can be kept on her course and shall if necessary take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over." Therefore, slowing to the minimum speed required to maintain steerage and navigating cautiously is the mandatory action. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **B) Slow to moderate speed and navigate with caution:** This is incorrect because "moderate speed" is not the requirement. Rule 19 demands reducing speed to the *minimum* at which the vessel can be kept on its course ("bare steerageway"). Moderate speed still implies significant momentum, which is undesirable when the location of another vessel ahead is uncertain. * **C) Stop engines and navigate with caution:** While taking all way off (which may involve stopping engines) is sometimes required if the danger is immediate or if the vessel needs to wait for the situation to clarify, the initial mandatory step is to reduce speed to the minimum for steerage. Completely stopping engines might cause the vessel to lose control of its course, which Rule 19 specifically instructs against unless absolutely necessary. * **D) Maintain speed and sound five short and rapid blasts:** This is severely incorrect. Maintaining speed in restricted visibility when a vessel is detected ahead violates the core principle of Rule 19, which requires a reduction in speed. Furthermore, sounding five short and rapid blasts (the danger or doubt signal) is used to indicate doubt about another vessel's intentions, but it is not the primary required action for initial detection in fog; reducing speed and navigating cautiously is the primary requirement.