Question 14 ONC06 - Master LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct Option C, "reduce your speed to bare steerageway," is the correct action based on Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). Rule 19(d) specifically addresses a vessel hearing a fog signal forward of the beam and/or detecting another vessel's presence by radar when a risk of collision exists: > "A vessel which detects the presence of another vessel by radar alone shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing and/or risk of collision exists. If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, provided that if such action consists of an alteration of course, it shall not be an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken." Rule 19(e) further mandates the proper response when a vessel hears a fog signal forward of the beam: > "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 close-quarters situation with another vessel forward of her beam, **shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course (bare steerageway). She shall if necessary take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over.**" Since the vessel is underway in restricted visibility, the fog signal is heard forward of the beam (20° on the starboard bow), and a risk of collision may exist, the mandatory initial action is to reduce speed to bare steerageway. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side:** This action is explicitly forbidden by Rule 19(d) when maneuvering in response to a vessel forward of the beam in restricted visibility, unless it is an overtaking situation. Altering course to port increases the risk of collision because it puts your vessel directly across the path of the other vessel if it maintains its course or alters course slightly to starboard. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel:** While altering course to starboard is the preferred direction for changing course in restricted visibility (if a change is necessary), Rule 19(e) prioritizes reducing speed first. Without visual confirmation of the other vessel’s exact course and speed, making a large maneuver, such as an immediate course alteration, may be premature or insufficient. The mandated initial action is to reduce speed to bare steerageway and proceed with caution. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you:** While this involves slowing down, "reducing speed to bare steerageway" (Option C) is the precise phrase mandated by Rule 19(e). Furthermore, simply slowing the engines does not fulfill the requirement to take all necessary way off and navigate with extreme caution, which often requires more than just slowing—it requires bringing the vessel to the minimum possible speed to maintain control, which is the definition of bare steerageway.