Question 15 TV01 - Towing Vessels - Oceans or Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is A ### Explanation of Correctness (Option A) Option A ("Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel.") is correct because when two vessels are crossing and are not in sight of one another (such as being in fog), they are operating under Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility) of both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the Inland Rules. Rule 19 supersedes the crossing rules (Rule 15) when vessels are not in sight. Rule 19 does not establish stand-on and give-way relationships based on the compass bearing. Instead, it mandates that any vessel detecting another vessel forward of the beam whose position is doubtful or involves risk of collision **shall reduce her speed to a minimum (steerageway) or take all way off**. Furthermore, they must proceed with extreme caution until the danger is past. Since both vessels are obligated to take positive action to avoid collision—often involving stopping or reducing speed—neither vessel can rely on the status of a "stand-on" vessel, which implies maintaining course and speed. The primary duty for *both* is collision avoidance through caution and speed reduction. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **B) The vessel which hears the other vessel's fog signal first** The priority of action in fog is based on the Rules of the Road, not on which vessel detects the other first. Early detection is advantageous for safety, but it does not confer stand-on status. Both vessels still have the same duty under Rule 19. **C) The vessel which has the other on her own starboard side** This is the rule (Rule 15) for crossing situations when vessels **are in sight** of one another. When vessels are not in sight (e.g., in fog), Rule 19 applies, and the standard crossing relationship (stand-on/give-way) is temporarily suspended. **D) The vessel which has the other on her own port side** Under standard crossing rules (Rule 15), the vessel that has the other on her port side would be the **stand-on** vessel. However, as explained above, Rule 15 does not apply when vessels are not in sight in restricted visibility (fog). Both vessels are equally responsible for cautious maneuver under Rule 19.