Question 13 OSV02 - Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for Option A (Correct Answer):** Option A, "Slow to minimum to maintain course and navigate with caution," is the correct action required by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility). Rule 19(e) states: "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, shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course and shall in any event navigate with extreme caution until the danger of collision is over." Therefore, upon hearing the signal of a vessel ahead in fog, you must reduce speed to the bare minimum necessary for steerage (maintain course) and proceed with caution. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **B) Slow to moderate speed and navigate with caution:** This is incorrect. COLREGs require reducing speed to the *minimum* necessary for steerage, not a "moderate" speed, which might still be too fast to stop in time to avoid a collision. * **C) Stop engines and navigate with caution:** While stopping engines might be a later decision (e.g., if you determine immediate danger), the primary requirement of Rule 19(e) is to reduce speed to the minimum necessary to maintain course. Completely stopping the engines might result in losing steerage, which could worsen the situation, and is not the initial mandatory requirement. * **D) Maintain speed and sound five short and rapid blasts:** This is seriously incorrect. Maintaining speed violates the core requirement of Rule 19(e) to reduce speed. Furthermore, sounding five short and rapid blasts (the danger signal) is typically used when immediate action is required or when the other vessel's intentions are unclear, but it is not the standard maneuver required upon simply hearing a fog signal ahead. The primary action is adjusting speed and proceeding cautiously.