Question 15 ONC07 - OUPV-Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is A ### Explanation for Option A (Correct) Option A ("Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel.") is correct because when two vessels are crossing in restricted visibility (such as fog) and are **not in sight of one another**, the **Rules of the Road (COLREGs)** shift entirely from the visibility rules (like Rules 11-18, which define "stand-on" and "give-way" roles based on bearing and side) to the **Rules concerning Conduct in Restricted Visibility (Rule 19)**. Rule 19 dictates that every vessel must proceed at a safe speed, have engines ready for immediate maneuver, and, most importantly for this scenario, if a vessel detects another vessel's presence forward of the beam and judges that a close-quarters situation is developing, she **shall** take action to avoid it. Crucially, **Rule 19 does not assign definitive stand-on or give-way roles based on bearing**. Both vessels are required to take cautious action, often involving reducing speed to bare steerageway or stopping, and maneuvering with caution until the risk of collision is past. Therefore, neither vessel automatically holds the "stand-on" designation. ### Explanation of Incorrect Options **B) The vessel which hears the other vessel's fog signal first** This is incorrect. Hearing a fog signal first only confirms the presence of another vessel and mandates cautious action (Rule 19(d)). It does not grant "stand-on" status; the vessel that hears the signal must immediately determine if a risk of collision exists and take appropriate avoiding action, which often involves reducing speed or stopping. **C) The vessel which has the other on her own starboard side** This is incorrect. The requirement for a vessel to give way to vessels on its own starboard side (the "starboard-hand rule," Rule 15) applies **only** when vessels are in sight of one another (Rules 11 through 18). Rule 19 explicitly supersedes the steering and sailing rules when vessels are not in sight in restricted visibility. **D) The vessel which has the other on her own port side** This is incorrect. This is the definition of the "stand-on" vessel in a crossing situation (Rule 15), but like Option C, this rule applies **only** when vessels are in sight of one another. In fog when not in sight, Rule 19 governs, and specific stand-on/give-way duties are suspended.