Question 14 OSV01 - Master/Chief Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct: This scenario is governed by Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). **Rule 19(e)** explicitly mandates the action when hearing a fog signal forward of the beam and risk of collision may exist: > “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 an approaching vessel, shall **reduce her speed to bare steerageway and, if necessary, stop her engines** and in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over.” Since the signal is 20° on the starboard bow (forward of the beam) and risk of collision is indicated, the immediate and primary action required by the regulations is to reduce speed to the minimum required for effective steering control (**bare steerageway**). *** ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect: **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side** This action is specifically discouraged in restricted visibility. **Rule 19(d)(i)** states that a vessel which detects another vessel forward of the beam (by sound or radar) shall *avoid* an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam. This maneuver could lead to an unpredictable and dangerous close-quarters situation. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel** While altering course to starboard is generally preferred over port when maneuvering is necessary, Rule 19 prioritizes speed reduction first. Maneuvering (changing course) should be avoided until the position, course, and speed of the other vessel are accurately ascertained, which is impossible based solely on hearing a fog signal. Premature maneuvering in restricted visibility is extremely dangerous. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you** Slowing the engines is insufficient. Rule 19(e) requires reducing speed specifically **to bare steerageway**. Simply "slowing" might still leave the vessel traveling too fast to stop in time to avoid a collision. Furthermore, basing the action on the assumption that the other vessel will pass safely ahead is speculative; the mandatory action is to reduce speed and navigate with extreme caution.