Question 16 ONC07 - OUPV-Near Coastal

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 for vessels in restricted visibility (COLREGs Rule 19) apply universally to all vessels, regardless of size, type, or location, whenever they are "navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility." The intent of the rules is preventative, requiring vessels to take precautions *before* they are fully engulfed in, or encounter, poor visibility, such as fog, heavy rain, or snow. 2. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) only if they have operational radar:** This is incorrect. While having operational radar imposes additional duties (Rule 19(b)), the basic obligation to operate safely in restricted visibility (including reducing speed, sounding fog signals, and having engines ready) applies to **all** vessels, including those without radar. * **B) in sight of one another in fog:** This is incorrect. If vessels are "in sight of one another," they transition from the Restricted Visibility Rules (Rule 19) to the Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another Rules (Rules 12-18). The restricted visibility rules are specifically for situations where vessels rely primarily on sound signals and radar, not visual sighting. * **D) only if they are showing special purpose lights:** This is incorrect. The requirement to follow restricted visibility rules is based on the atmospheric conditions (fog, etc.), not on the specific lights a vessel might be showing. Vessels showing special purpose lights (e.g., fishing, trawling) must still adhere to Rule 19 in poor visibility.