Question 25 RVR02 - Master of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (bare steerageway):** The scenario describes a vessel operating in restricted visibility (fog signal) that hears a fog signal forward of her beam (meaning the other vessel is approaching or close) and has *not determined if risk of collision exists*. This specific situation is directly governed by Rule 19(e) (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). 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 and steerageway. If necessary, she shall take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over." "The minimum at which she can be kept on her course and steerageway" is the definition of **bare steerageway**. Therefore, the vessel must reduce speed to bare steerageway. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** **A) moderate speed:** This term is too vague and generally refers to a speed that allows a vessel to take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions (Rule 6). While required in restricted visibility, reducing speed only to a "moderate" level is insufficient when a vessel hears a signal forward of the beam and has not ruled out collision risk. The required action is a more drastic reduction. **B) half speed:** This is a relative term (half of the vessel's maximum or cruising speed) and does not guarantee the required minimum speed for safe navigation in this critical situation. It might still be too fast to ensure the vessel can be stopped quickly. **C) safe speed:** A vessel is *always* required to proceed at a safe speed (Rule 6), especially in restricted visibility (Rule 19(b)). However, when a vessel hears a signal forward of the beam and risk of collision is undetermined, the required action is a specific, immediate reduction to the lowest operable speed (bare steerageway), which is a stricter requirement than merely maintaining a "safe speed."