Question 16 TV02 - Towing Vessels - Great Lakes and Inland

The Correct Answer is C. **Why Option C is Correct:** The steering and sailing rules for vessels in restricted visibility are defined in Part B, Section III of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 19. This rule applies to **all vessels** (both international and inland, as the question states) when they are **navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility**. The requirement to follow these rules (such as reducing speed, listening for fog signals, and specific maneuvering actions) is triggered by the presence of restricted visibility, regardless of whether the vessel has specific equipment or lights. **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **A) only if they have operational radar:** Rule 19 applies to all vessels in restricted visibility. While having operational radar is addressed within the rule (Rule 19(d) discusses actions based on radar plotting), the requirement to follow the entire set of restricted visibility rules does not hinge on the presence of radar. Vessels without radar must still adhere to these rules. * **B) in sight of one another in fog:** If vessels are in sight of one another, they are no longer operating purely under the rules for restricted visibility (Rule 19). Instead, they revert to the rules for vessels in sight of one another (Rules 13-18, the normal maneuvering rules for vessels underway), even if the visibility is technically restricted. Rule 19 applies when vessels *cannot* see one another due to restricted visibility. * **D) only if they are showing special purpose lights:** Showing special purpose lights (such as lights for towing, fishing, dredging, etc.) indicates the vessel's status or operation, which dictates which specific rules apply to it (Rules 23-31). However, the general requirement to follow the restricted visibility procedures (Rule 19) is based solely on the presence of the poor visibility condition, not the type of lights the vessel is displaying.