Question 16 OSV02 - Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

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 concerning restricted visibility are laid out in Rule 19 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which applies to all vessels in both international (high seas) and inland waters (if adopted by the relevant authority). Rule 19 states that the regulations in that section apply to vessels **"not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility."** This means the obligation to follow these rules (such as reducing speed, listening for signals, and operating with caution) is triggered whenever a vessel is operating where visibility is reduced or is approaching such an area, regardless of their specific equipment or current sighting status. 2. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) only if they have operational radar:** This is incorrect. While having operational radar is a requirement for certain specific actions under Rule 19 (like determining if a close-quarters situation is developing), the general rules and obligations for restricted visibility apply to **all** vessels, including those without radar, such as small boats or sailboats. * **B) in sight of one another in fog:** This is incorrect. If vessels are in sight of one another, they switch to the steering and sailing rules for "Vessels in Sight of One Another" (Rules 11-18), even if they are in fog. The restricted visibility rules (Rule 19) specifically apply when vessels are **"not in sight of one another."** * **D) only if they are showing special purpose lights:** This is incorrect. The application of the restricted visibility rules is based on the condition of visibility, not the type of lights a vessel is exhibiting. All vessels navigating in or near restricted visibility must adhere to these rules. (Special purpose lights are used to indicate a vessel's status, such as being not under command or constrained by draft, not the application of fog rules.)