Question 30 RVR04 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct: **Option C) Reduce your speed to the minimum at which it can be kept on course** is correct based on Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Specifically, Rule 19(e) addresses action taken when hearing a fog signal forward of the beam: > "Except where it has been determined that a danger 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 be minimum at which she can be kept on her course. If necessary, she shall take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over." Since the signal is 30° on the starboard bow (forward of the beam) and danger of collision exists, the immediate mandatory action is to reduce speed to steerage way (the minimum speed required to maintain control). ### Why the Other Options Are Incorrect: **A) Alter course to port and pass the other vessel on its port side** This action violates Rule 19(e) which explicitly states that a vessel required to reduce speed **shall not** (except in specific, non-applicable circumstances) alter course to port for a vessel forward of the beam. Altering course to port increases the risk of crossing the bow of the other vessel and is generally forbidden in restricted visibility when the situation is uncertain. **B) Alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel's stern** While altering course to starboard might seem safer than altering to port, Rule 19(e) emphasizes that the initial and primary action when danger exists and the vessel is forward of the beam is to reduce speed. An immediate and significant change in course (especially while maintaining speed) is generally avoided in restricted visibility until the other vessel's position is definitively known, as maneuvering before reducing speed can worsen the collision risk. **D) Slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you** This option is too vague and potentially inadequate. While slowing engines is part of reducing speed, Rule 19 requires reducing speed specifically to the *minimum at which the vessel can be kept on course* (steerage way), or stopping entirely ("take all her way off"). Simply "slowing engines" does not fulfill the strict requirement of achieving steerage way necessary for safe navigation in such a critical situation. Option C is the precise wording of the rule and therefore the correct mandatory action.