Question 20 ONC06 - Master LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (Correct Answer):** Option D, "not impede the passage of vessel 'B'", is the correct action based on Rule 9 (Narrow Channels) of both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the Inland Rules. * **Rule 9(b) (COLREGs & Inland):** States that a vessel of less than 20 meters in length, a sailing vessel, or a vessel engaged in fishing (like Vessel "A") shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway (like the large tanker, Vessel "B"). * **Vessel B's Signal:** Vessel "B" sounds five short and rapid blasts. This is the danger/doubt signal (Rule 34(d)). In this context, Vessel "B" is signaling that it doubts Vessel "A"'s intentions or is warning Vessel "A" that Vessel "A"'s current action (or potential action) is dangerous, specifically that Vessel "A" might impede Vessel "B"'s safe passage. * **Required Action:** Since Vessel "A" is a vessel engaged in fishing in a narrow channel and is required by law not to impede the passage of Vessel "B" (the power-driven vessel safely navigating only within that channel), the appropriate action in response to the danger signal is to ensure that Vessel "B" is not impeded. This usually means altering course and/or speed to give way clear of the channel or to a position where B can pass safely. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) maintain course and speed:** This is incorrect. Vessel "B" has sounded the danger signal (five blasts). Maintaining course and speed directly violates the requirement to act to avoid collision or, more specifically under Rule 9, the requirement not to impede the passage of a large vessel navigating in the channel, especially when warned of danger. * **B) not answer the whistle signals from vessel "B":** While the five-blast signal often requires immediate evasive action rather than a direct whistle response, the legal requirement is to *act* safely. Simply choosing not to answer the whistle signal while ignoring the underlying danger or the requirement not to impede passage (Rule 9) makes this option fundamentally incorrect. The vessel engaged in fishing must take positive action. * **C) sound one prolonged followed by two short blasts:** This signal is the mandatory whistle signal used by a vessel when *intending to overtake* another vessel on its port side (Rule 34(c)(i)). Vessel "A" is engaged in fishing and is the potentially impeding vessel, not an overtaking vessel. Using this signal would be inappropriate and potentially confusing.