Question 1 RVR04 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (Correct):** Option B, "take all way off, if necessary," is derived directly from Rule 35(i) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), which is applicable both internationally and inland (where COLREGS apply). Rule 35 pertains to sound signals in restricted visibility (fog). Specifically, Rule 35(i) states that a vessel which hears the fog signal of another vessel forward of her beam, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with an approaching vessel, shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course, and, if necessary, take all her way off. This mandatory action ensures the vessel is moving as slowly as possible (or stopped) to assess the situation and mitigate the risk of collision when a contact is detected forward of the beam in restricted visibility. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) stop your engines:** While stopping the engines might be part of the process of taking all way off, the rule mandates taking all *way* off (reducing momentum/speed), not just stopping the engines. If the vessel is large and still coasting, stopping the engines alone does not fulfill the required action of reducing speed to the minimum necessary or stopping. Furthermore, in some situations, the engines may need to be running at minimum speed to maintain steerage (keep the vessel on course), making total engine stoppage inappropriate. * **C) begin a radar plot:** While sound seamanship dictates that a vessel should utilize all available means (including radar) to determine the risk of collision, the mandatory action prescribed by Rule 35(i) is the reduction of speed/taking all way off. Radar plotting is a useful tool, but it is not the *required* immediate action mandated by the rule upon hearing a signal forward of the beam when risk of collision may exist. * **D) All of the above:** Since options A and C are not the primary mandatory actions defined by the rule, "All of the above" is incorrect. The core mandatory action is addressing the vessel's speed and momentum (B).