Question 15 ONC06 - Master LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is A ### 1. Why Option A ("Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel.") is Correct The situation described involves two vessels crossing in or near an area of restricted visibility (fog), and they are **not in sight of one another**. This scenario is governed primarily by Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which applies equally to both international and inland waters in the United States. Rule 19 supersedes the normal Crossing Rule (Rule 15) when vessels are not in sight. Specifically, Rule 19(d) states that if a vessel detects the presence of another vessel by radar alone, or hears a fog signal forward of the beam, the vessel hearing the signal or seeing the contact must take avoiding action in ample time. Crucially, **Rule 19 does not establish stand-on and give-way roles.** Instead, it mandates that **both vessels** take prudent action to avoid collision, which usually means reducing speed to bare steerageway, stopping, or altering course (often to starboard for a vessel hearing a signal forward of the beam) if the circumstances permit. Since neither vessel is designated as the stand-on vessel, the roles outlined in the standard rules (like Rule 15) do not apply. Both are responsible for avoiding collision. ### 2. Why Other Options Are Incorrect * **B) The vessel which hears the other vessel's fog signal first:** While hearing a fog signal dictates immediate action (reducing speed, altering course), it **does not** bestow stand-on status. Under Rule 19, the vessel hearing the signal must take avoiding action, reinforcing the requirement for both vessels to act. * **C) The vessel which has the other on her own starboard side:** This describes the give-way vessel under the standard Crossing Rule (Rule 15). However, Rule 15 only applies when vessels are **in sight** of one another. Since the vessels are crossing in fog and are not in sight, Rule 19 applies, and the standard crossing roles are suspended. * **D) The vessel which has the other on her own port side:** This describes the stand-on vessel under the standard Crossing Rule (Rule 15). As explained above, Rule 15 is suspended when vessels are not in sight in restricted visibility, making stand-on status non-existent in this scenario.