Question 16 ONC05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is C 1. **Why option C ("navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility") is correct:** The steering and sailing rules concerning vessels in restricted visibility are defined in Part B, Section III (Rules 19) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which apply both internationally and on most inland waterways. Rule 19 explicitly states that this section applies to vessels **"navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility."** This means that if a vessel is operating near, or is about to enter, an area where visibility is restricted (whether by fog, heavy rain, snow, sandstorms, etc.), it must immediately follow the specific precautions outlined in Rule 19 (e.g., safe speed, engines ready, specific sound signals). 2. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) only if they have operational radar:** This is incorrect. While having operational radar is a crucial factor mentioned in Rule 19 (requiring proper use and plotting/early warning), the rules themselves apply to **all** vessels, regardless of whether they are equipped with radar or not. Non-radar equipped vessels must follow the rules even more diligently. * **B) in sight of one another in fog:** This is incorrect. If vessels are "in sight of one another," the rules for restricted visibility (Rule 19) cease to apply, and the vessel must immediately switch to following the rules for vessels "in sight of one another" (Part B, Section II, Rules 11-18), such as the rules for overtaking, head-on situations, or crossing. Restricted visibility rules apply when vessels cannot see each other. * **D) only if they are showing special purpose lights:** This is incorrect. The requirement to follow restricted visibility rules is based purely on the meteorological conditions and the vessel's location relative to those conditions, not on the type of lights the vessel is showing. Standard navigation lights are required, but there is no prerequisite that a vessel must be displaying "special purpose lights" (like those for towing, fishing, or diving operations) for Rule 19 to apply.