Question 1 TV03 - Towing Vessels - Western Rivers

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for B (Correct Option):** Option B, "take all way off, if necessary," is the action specifically required under Rule 19(d) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which applies to vessels navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility (fog). Rule 19(d) states: "A vessel which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel forward of her beam, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel whose position is not definitely ascertained, shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course. She shall if necessary take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until risk of collision is over." Hearing a fog signal forward of the beam indicates the potential existence of a close-quarters situation in restricted visibility, necessitating this prescribed cautious action. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) stop your engines:** While stopping engines might be part of taking all way off, it is not the complete or required action by itself. The requirement is to take all way off if necessary, which ensures the vessel is moving as slowly as possible or stopped, not just that the engines are stopped (a vessel can still have significant headway after stopping the engines). * **C) begin a radar plot:** Radar plotting is a prudent navigational practice when risk of collision exists and radar is available, as required by Rule 7 (Risk of Collision) and Rule 19(e) (Restricted Visibility). However, it is an action used to *ascertain* the risk and the vessel's movements. The question asks what action is required *when risk of collision may exist* based on hearing the signal forward of the beam. The immediate, mandatory action specifically prescribed by Rule 19(d) to mitigate the potential danger of an unknown close-quarters situation is reducing speed/taking way off. * **D) All of the above:** Since options A and C are not the primary, mandated action under Rule 19(d) (which governs the immediate maneuvering requirement), this option is incorrect.