Question 14 TV01 - Towing Vessels - Oceans or Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct: **C) reduce your speed to bare steerageway** This action is required by Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility), specifically part (e). When a vessel detects the presence of another vessel forward of the beam by sound signal (the fog signal) and a risk of collision exists, the vessel must take immediate action to avoid collision. If circumstances permit, the vessel must not alter course to port for a vessel forward of the beam (Rule 19(d)(i)) and must, in any case, reduce her speed to bare steerageway or, if necessary, take all way off. Since the vessel is underway in restricted visibility, the primary duty upon hearing a close signal indicating potential collision is to slow down immediately to allow more time to assess the situation and avoid dangerous maneuvers until the other vessel's position is clearly understood. ### Why the Other Options Are Incorrect: **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side** This action is explicitly forbidden by Rule 19(d)(i) when hearing a vessel forward of the beam in restricted visibility. A vessel that hears the fog signal of another vessel forward of her beam shall, if a risk of collision exists, avoid changing course to port. This maneuver is dangerous because it can lead to confusion and increase the risk of collision if the approaching vessel also changes course. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel** While changing course to starboard is not explicitly prohibited in the way that changing course to port is, taking a significant course alteration when the position, course, and speed of the other vessel are still uncertain (only known by sound signal) is premature and dangerous. The initial, mandatory action is to reduce speed (Rule 19(e)). A course change should only be made once the situation is fully assessed and the course change is necessary and effective. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you** This option is too passive and potentially inadequate. While slowing engines is part of the correct action, "letting the other vessel pass ahead of you" implies maintaining steerage (even if slow) without ensuring all way is taken off if required, or reducing speed to the safe bare steerageway. Rule 19 requires the vessel to "reduce her speed to bare steerageway and if necessary take all her way off." Option C is the more precise and mandated action required by the COLREGs upon detecting an approaching vessel in restricted visibility.