Question 30 RVR03 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct Option C is correct because it directly addresses the requirements of Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility) of both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the Inland Rules. When a vessel detects another vessel's presence forward of the beam in restricted visibility (by radar, hearing a fog signal, or otherwise) and determines that a close-quarters situation or risk of collision exists, Rule 19(e) mandates specific actions. It states that, if a risk of collision exists, a vessel must take avoiding action in ample time, and one of the primary actions is to: **"reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course."** If necessary, the vessel must take all way off. This action maximizes the time available for assessment and decision-making, while minimizing the impact of a potential collision. ### Why the Other Options Are Incorrect **A) Alter course to port and pass the other vessel on its port side** * **Incorrect:** Rule 19(d)(i) specifically prohibits altering course to port for a vessel detected forward of the beam, unless you are certain that danger of collision does not exist. Since the premise of the question states that "danger of collision exists," altering course to port into the path of the approaching vessel is a very dangerous and prohibited action in reduced visibility. **B) Alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel's stern** * **Incorrect:** While altering course to starboard is generally preferred over altering course to port (Rule 19(d)(ii)), the fundamental requirement in reduced visibility when danger exists is to first **reduce speed or stop**. Altering course alone, especially significantly, without reducing speed, is often considered a less safe initial action than slowing down, as it can confuse the situation and increase the speed of encounter with the danger. The most immediate and mandatory action dictated by Rule 19 when risk exists is to reduce speed (Rule 19(e)). **D) Slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you** * **Incorrect (or incomplete):** While slowing engines is part of the action, the required action is specifically to **reduce speed to the minimum required to maintain steerage** (Rule 19(e)). Furthermore, the decision to "let the other vessel pass ahead of you" implies an assumption about the other vessel's movement or intention, which is unsafe to make when you only know their bearing and hear their fog signal. The required action focuses on reducing *your* own vessel's momentum and ensuring you maintain control (steerage), not on a specific maneuvering strategy yet. Option C provides the precise wording and mandated action under Rule 19(e).