Question 14 UFV01 - Master - Uninspected Fishing Vessels

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct: Option C, **"reduce your speed to bare steerageway,"** is the correct action based on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility). Rule 19(e) states that if a vessel detects by radar (or other means) the presence of another vessel and determines that a close-quarters situation is developing or risk of collision exists, it shall take timely action. Crucially, if the vessel hears the fog signal of another vessel apparently forward of the beam and a close-quarters situation is not avoided, the vessel: 1. Shall reduce its speed to bare steerageway. 2. Shall, if necessary, take all way off. In this scenario, you are underway in restricted visibility, and you hear a fog signal 20° on your starboard bow, indicating a potential collision risk with a vessel forward of your beam. The prescribed mandatory action is to reduce speed to bare steerageway (or stop entirely), allowing time to assess the situation fully without committing to a potentially dangerous maneuver. ### Why the Other Options are Incorrect: **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side** This is incorrect because altering course to port for a vessel forward of the beam is strictly prohibited in restricted visibility (Rule 19(d)(i)). Taking action based solely on an auditory bearing is dangerous, as it is difficult to determine the precise course, speed, and aspect of the other vessel. Altering course to port increases the risk of collision. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel** While altering course to starboard is generally preferred in clear visibility meeting situations, it is dangerous and potentially prohibited under Rule 19 unless the vessel has determined that risk of collision does not exist, or that a change of course is necessary to avoid a vessel that has already become dangerously close. Simply hearing a signal forward of the beam does not provide enough information to safely alter course. The primary requirement when hearing a signal forward of the beam is to reduce speed first. **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you** This option is too passive and does not meet the strict requirement of Rule 19(e). While slowing engines is part of the process, the specific mandatory requirement is to reduce speed to **bare steerageway** (or stop), which is a much more definitive action ensuring the vessel is moving as slowly as possible while maintaining directional control. Simply "slowing engines" is ambiguous and insufficient for a high-risk situation in restricted visibility.