Question 15 TV02 - Towing Vessels - Great Lakes and Inland

The Correct Answer is A ### Explanation for A (Correct Option) **A) Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel.** This scenario involves two power-driven vessels crossing in restricted visibility (fog), where they are **not in sight of one another**, but have detected each other's presence, usually by radar or fog signals. According to **COLREG Rule 19(d)** (Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility), any vessel hearing the fog signal of another vessel apparently forward of her beam, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation, **shall reduce her speed to the minimum necessary to keep her on course and, if necessary, take all way off**. Crucially, **COLREG Rule 19 overrides the Steering and Sailing Rules (Rules 4 through 18)**, which define 'stand-on' and 'give-way' roles (such as Rule 15 for crossing situations), when vessels are navigating in restricted visibility and are not in sight of one another. In restricted visibility, the emphasis shifts to avoiding close-quarters situations rather than adhering to traditional 'stand-on/give-way' roles. Both vessels are equally obligated to take early and substantial action to avoid collision. Therefore, neither vessel automatically assumes the role of stand-on vessel. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **B) The vessel which hears the other vessel's fog signal first** This concept has no bearing on determining stand-on status in the COLREGs. Both vessels are equally obligated to follow Rule 19 once they have detected the presence of the other vessel, regardless of which vessel made the initial detection. **C) The vessel which has the other on her own starboard side** This is the definition of the **Give-Way Vessel** under Rule 15 (Crossing Situation) *in clear visibility*. If the vessels were in sight of one another, the vessel seeing the other on its starboard side would be the give-way vessel, meaning the other vessel (the one with the crossing vessel on her port side) would be the stand-on vessel. However, Rule 15 does not apply when vessels are not in sight of one another in fog (Rule 19 applies), making this option incorrect. **D) The vessel which has the other on her own port side** This is the definition of the **Stand-On Vessel** under Rule 15 (Crossing Situation) *in clear visibility*. In fog (restricted visibility) where vessels are not in sight, Rule 19 applies, and the stand-on role is eliminated. Both vessels have equal responsibility to take avoiding action.