Question 12 RVR04 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for B (Correct Answer):** The situation described involves two vessels on crossing courses, and the other vessel (on your starboard bow) sounds five short blasts. According to both the Inland and International Rules of the Road (COLREGs Rule 34(d)), five or more short and rapid blasts indicate doubt, danger, or that the signaling vessel does not agree with the maneuver proposed by the other vessel (or that the signaling vessel believes the other vessel is acting improperly). In this specific crossing situation, where you are the stand-on vessel (since the other vessel is on your starboard bow, making her the give-way vessel, COLREGs Rule 15), the five short blasts communicate that the give-way vessel either doubts your intentions or is warning you of danger because they believe a close quarters situation is developing. COLREGs Rule 17(b) permits the stand-on vessel to take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. Furthermore, Rule 17(a)(ii) mandates that the stand-on vessel *shall* take action to avoid collision when collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone. Receiving five short blasts is a clear indication that a dangerous situation exists or is rapidly developing. Therefore, the responsible and required action is to immediately take substantial action to remove all doubt and danger. This usually involves a **large course change** and/or **reducing speed significantly (slowing down)** to ensure a wide margin of safety, which aligns with Option B. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) initiate a passing signal that will allow for a half mile clearance:** A passing signal (one or two short blasts) is used to propose a maneuver for meeting or overtaking situations, not typically crossing situations. Furthermore, initiating *any* signal immediately after hearing a danger signal of five blasts is inappropriate, as the priority is to take immediate evasive action, not propose a new maneuver. * **C) reduce speed slightly:** In a developing dangerous situation signaled by five short blasts, a slight reduction in speed is usually insufficient to guarantee safety. Rule 8 requires action taken to avoid collision to be "positive, made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship." A "large course change" and/or significant speed reduction (as described in B) is required to be positive and readily apparent. * **D) answer the signal and hold course and speed:** You should never answer a danger signal of five short blasts by simply repeating the signal. More importantly, as the stand-on vessel, while you generally hold course and speed, receiving a danger signal indicates that the give-way vessel is either not acting correctly or perceives danger. Holding course and speed at this point would violate the requirement to take necessary action to avoid collision once danger is apparent (COLREGs Rule 17).