Question 15 ONC05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is A ### 1. Why Option A (Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel) is Correct The situation described involves two power-driven vessels crossing in restricted visibility (fog) where they are **NOT in sight of one another**, but they are hearing each other's fog signals forward of the beam, or have detected each other by radar. The governing rule in this scenario, under both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and Inland Rules, is Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility). Crucially, the concept of **stand-on/give-way** (privileged/burdened) only applies to power-driven vessels when they are in **sight** of one another (Rules 12 through 18). Rule 19 supersedes the crossing rule (Rule 15) when vessels are only in contact via signals or radar and are not yet in sight. Rule 19 (e) dictates the required action when a vessel hears the fog signal of another vessel apparently forward of the beam, and an arrangement for a close-quarters situation cannot be avoided: > "it shall reduce its speed to the minimum at which it can be kept on course. If necessary, it shall take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over." Therefore, since the crossing rule does not apply and both vessels are required to take specific, cautious action—potentially stopping or reducing speed drastically—neither vessel assumes the role of stand-on (privileged) vessel. Both are required to act as if they are give-way vessels navigating with extreme caution. ### 2. Why Other Options are Incorrect **B) The vessel which hears the other vessel's fog signal first** The timing of hearing a signal has no bearing on collision avoidance responsibilities. Both vessels are equally required by Rule 19 to take action once the signal is detected, regardless of which vessel heard the other first. **C) The vessel which has the other on her own starboard side** This is the standard definition of the **give-way** vessel under Rule 15 (Crossing Situation), which applies only when vessels are **in sight** of one another. Since the vessels are not in sight, Rule 15 does not apply, and this vessel is not defined as the stand-on vessel (which would be the vessel seeing the other to port). **D) The vessel which has the other on her own port side** This is the standard definition of the **stand-on** vessel under Rule 15 (Crossing Situation), which applies only when vessels are **in sight** of one another. Since the vessels are not in sight, Rule 15 does not apply, and this vessel does not gain stand-on status. Both vessels must follow the cautious navigation procedures mandated by Rule 19.