Question 12 RVR01 - Master of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for B (Correct Answer):** The situation described involves two vessels on crossing courses where the other vessel is on your starboard bow. Under the Inland and International Rules of the Road (COLREGs), this makes your vessel the **Give-way Vessel** (Rule 15). You are required to keep out of the way of the vessel on your starboard side. The signal of **five short blasts** (or more) is the **Danger Signal** (Rule 34(d)). It indicates that the signaling vessel (the Stand-on vessel, in this case) doubts whether sufficient action is being taken by the other vessel (you) to avoid collision, or doubts your intentions. When the Give-way vessel receives the Danger Signal, it must immediately take decisive action to resolve the situation and avoid collision. This action should be substantial enough to be readily apparent to the other vessel. **Making a large course change and/or slowing down is the appropriate, positive action required by the rules when you are the Give-way vessel and collision risk or confusion exists.** **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **A) initiate a passing signal that will allow for a half mile clearance:** This is incorrect. Passing signals (one or two short blasts) are used when meeting or overtaking, not usually in a crossing situation where the Stand-on vessel has sounded the Danger Signal. Initiating a standard passing signal ignores the warning and fails to take immediate, definitive evasive action required by the Danger Signal. **C) reduce speed slightly:** This is incorrect because evasive action must be "positive, readily apparent" (Rule 8). A slight reduction in speed might not be noticeable to the other vessel and is insufficient to remove the risk of collision or alleviate the Stand-on vessel's concern, especially after they have sounded the Danger Signal. **D) answer the signal and hold course and speed:** This is incorrect and dangerous. The Give-way vessel must *never* hold course and speed in a crossing situation (Rule 15). Furthermore, answering the Danger Signal (five short blasts) is not a specified procedure; the correct procedure is to take immediate, definitive action to resolve the danger.