Question 14 OSV02 - Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct Option C, "reduce your speed to bare steerageway," 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 with another vessel forward of her beam, **shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course (bare steerageway) and if necessary take all her way off** and in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over." Since the other vessel is heard about $20^{\circ}$ on the starboard bow (forward of the beam) and a risk of collision *may* exist, the primary and mandatory action is to reduce speed immediately to bare steerageway. This allows more time to evaluate the situation using radar or sound and permits prompt, effective maneuverability if the other vessel's intentions become clear. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side** This action violates the fundamental principle of restricted visibility maneuvering outlined in Rule 19(d)(i), which states that a vessel that detects another vessel by radar (or, by extension, sound, when risk of collision exists) **shall avoid an alteration of course to port** for a vessel forward of the beam. Altering course to port in this situation is highly dangerous because the intentions of the other vessel are unknown, and such a maneuver could lead directly into a head-on or crossing collision. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel** While altering course to starboard is the preferred direction when maneuvering in restricted visibility (Rule 19(d)(ii)), **course alteration should only be done when risk of collision is confirmed and when there is sufficient sea room and time to execute the maneuver properly, and only after the other vessel is positively detected and plotted.** The initial mandatory action upon hearing a fog signal forward of the beam is speed reduction (Rule 19(e)). Altering course aggressively before reducing speed and confirming the other vessel’s position and course is premature and potentially dangerous, as you may turn directly into its path. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you** While slowing the engines is part of the overall maneuver, the specific requirement under Rule 19(e) is not just to "slow" but to **reduce speed to the minimum necessary for steerage (bare steerageway).** Furthermore, the assumption that the other vessel will simply "pass ahead of you" is speculative and does not constitute the mandated cautious action. The regulation requires active speed reduction and preparedness to take all way off, prioritizing safety and caution over relying on the other vessel's actions.