Question 12 TV03 - Towing Vessels - Western Rivers

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (Correct Answer):** The situation described involves two vessels on crossing courses, with the other vessel (the give-way vessel, as she is on your starboard bow) signaling five short blasts. According to both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and Inland Rules, **five or more short blasts** is the danger signal. This signal indicates that the vessel sounding it doubts the intentions of the other vessel or believes that the proposed maneuver is dangerous or confusing. In this scenario: 1. You are the stand-on vessel (the other vessel is on your starboard bow, making you the vessel that is generally required to maintain course and speed). 2. The give-way vessel believes the situation is dangerous or that your intentions (or lack of immediate action) pose a risk. When the danger signal is sounded, the overriding requirement is **Rule 17(b)** (Inland and International), which allows the stand-on vessel to take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. More importantly, **Rule 8 (Action to avoid collision)** requires that any action taken to avoid collision must be positive, made in ample time, and involve a sufficient alteration of course and/or speed to be readily apparent to the other vessel. Responding to a danger signal requires immediate, unambiguous, and substantial action to eliminate the risk of collision. Making a large course change and slowing down if necessary satisfies this requirement by clearly communicating your intent and positively resolving the dangerous situation. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) initiate a passing signal that will allow for a half mile clearance:** A passing signal (one or two short blasts) is used when meeting end-on or when overtaking. In a crossing situation, signaling your intention to pass is inappropriate, especially after the other vessel has sounded the danger signal. The immediate priority is collision avoidance, not initiating a routine passing maneuver. * **C) reduce speed slightly:** Rule 8 requires any action to avoid collision to be "sufficient" and "readily apparent." Reducing speed slightly is insufficient and ambiguous, especially in response to a danger signal that indicates immediate danger. * **D) answer the signal and hold course and speed:** Answering the danger signal is not required, and holding course and speed is dangerous. While the stand-on vessel usually holds course and speed, the danger signal overrides this requirement, demanding immediate, unambiguous action (Rule 17(b) and Rule 8). If the situation is dangerous, maintaining course and speed guarantees a collision or near-miss if the give-way vessel fails to act.