Question 12 TV02 - Towing Vessels - Great Lakes and Inland

The Correct Answer is A Option A ("take all way off, if necessary") is correct because it directly addresses the requirements of Rule 19(e) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which governs the conduct of vessels in restricted visibility. Rule 19(e) states that if a vessel detects the presence of another vessel forward of the beam and a risk of collision exists, it shall take appropriate action to avoid collision, which specifically includes taking all way off, and in any event, navigating with extreme caution until the danger of collision is over. Taking way off is the most crucial, immediate action to mitigate risk in a close-quarters, restricted-visibility situation. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) stop your engines:** While stopping engines might be part of the process of taking all way off, it is not the primary required action. Taking all way off is the requirement; stopping engines is just one means to achieve that, and sometimes the engines need to be kept running to maintain maneuverability (e.g., shifting gears for small adjustments) or to use the sound signal (if applicable) while the vessel coasts to a stop. The rule mandates taking all way off, not just stopping the engines. * **C) begin a radar plot:** Radar plotting (or systematic observation of radar returns) is a *prerequisite* to determining if a risk of collision exists (Rule 19(d) and Rule 7). However, once the fog signal confirms the vessel's presence forward of the beam and a risk of collision *may* exist, the vessel must take immediate action to avoid collision (Rule 19(e)). Plotting is done to assess the situation; taking way off is the required safety action once the danger is confirmed. * **D) All of the above:** Since options B and C are not the singular, specific required action mandated by the rule in this context, "All of the above" is incorrect. Taking all way off (A) is the required safety measure.