Question 30 RVR01 - Master of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct Option C states: "Reduce your speed to the minimum at which it can be kept on course." This action is mandated by Rule 19(e) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which applies to vessels operating in or near an area of reduced 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 a vessel the position of which is not ascertained, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation, shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course. She shall if necessary take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over." In this scenario: 1. Your vessel is underway in reduced visibility (Rule 19 applies). 2. You hear a fog signal (position is not ascertained, as radar/visual contact is lacking) 3. The signal is forward of your beam (30° on the starboard bow). Therefore, the required action is to reduce speed to the minimum necessary to maintain steerage (Option C). ### Why the Other Options are Incorrect **A) Alter course to port and pass the other vessel on its port side** This action is generally dangerous and often illegal in restricted visibility situations. Rule 19(d) advises that a vessel that detects another vessel by radar (or other means) forward of the beam should, if an alteration of course is made, *avoid* altering course to port for a vessel forward of the beam. Altering course based solely on a sound signal whose exact bearing and movement are unknown is highly risky, as it could lead you directly into the path of the other vessel. **B) Alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel's stern** While an alteration to starboard is generally preferred over port when collision risk exists forward of the beam (Rule 19(d)), taking any definitive course alteration solely based on an acoustic signal in reduced visibility is premature and violates Rule 19(e), which requires the immediate reduction of speed first. You must ascertain the other vessel's position before making a major course alteration. **D) Slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you** This option is too vague and potentially insufficient. While slowing engines is part of reducing speed, Rule 19(e) requires reducing speed specifically to the *minimum* at which the vessel can be kept on course (Option C). Furthermore, the specific wording "let the other vessel pass ahead of you" implies an assumption about the other vessel's course and intentions that cannot be made safely when visibility is reduced and only an acoustic signal has been heard.