Question 17 TV03 - Towing Vessels - Western Rivers

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for why Option A is correct:** The definition of a vessel being "in sight" is critical in maritime rules (specifically the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea – COLREGS, and corresponding Inland Rules). The rules for restricted visibility (Rule 19) apply when vessels are not "in sight" of one another. A vessel is considered "in sight" only when it is **visually observable** from your vessel. Therefore, a vessel that you can **see from the bridge** meets this definition. When vessels are in sight of one another, the Rules concerning restricted visibility (Rule 19) cease to apply, and the standard Steering and Sailing Rules (Rules 4 through 18) take precedence, including determining risk of collision by sight, hearing, or radar. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:** * **B) A radar target of which you have determined the course and speed:** A radar target, even if analyzed and tracked, is not a visual confirmation. Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility) specifically governs the actions of vessels that are detecting others by radar but are not yet visually in sight. If the vessels were only radar targets, they would be subject to Rule 19, meaning they are *not* yet "in sight." * **C) A vessel from which you can hear the fog signal:** Hearing a fog signal indicates that another vessel is in the vicinity and likely operating under Rule 19 (restricted visibility). While the location of the other vessel is known or becoming known, it is not visually observed, and thus the vessels are not considered "in sight" for the purpose of disengaging Rule 19. If you can only hear it, you must continue to operate under restricted visibility rules until visual contact is made. * **D) All of the above:** Since B and C do not meet the legal definition of "in sight" (which requires visual confirmation), this option is incorrect.