Question 20 UFV01 - Master - Uninspected Fishing Vessels

The Correct Answer is D **Why option D ("not impede the passage of vessel "B"") is correct:** Vessel "A" is a vessel engaged in fishing. Vessel "B" is a tanker, which, given the context of a narrow channel, is likely restricted in its ability to maneuver due to its draft or size, or may be classified as a vessel constrained by its draft (although the rules for narrow channels apply even if it isn't specifically CBD). According to Rule 9 (Narrow Channels), a vessel engaged in fishing shall **not impede the passage** of any other vessel that can safely navigate only within that channel (Rule 9(c)). Furthermore, Vessel "B" sounding five short and rapid blasts is the danger or doubt signal (Rule 34(d)). This signal indicates that Vessel "B" doubts whether sufficient action is being taken by Vessel "A" to ensure safe passage, or believes a risk of collision exists due to Vessel A's potential failure to follow Rule 9. Therefore, Vessel "A" (the fishing vessel) must take immediate action to ensure it does not impede Vessel "B"'s passage, likely by moving to the side of the channel or stopping its fishing operations temporarily. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **A) maintain course and speed:** This is incorrect. Vessel "A" is the subordinate vessel according to Rule 9(c) and must not impede the passage of Vessel "B" in a narrow channel. Maintaining course and speed directly ignores the requirement not to impede and ignores the warning signal (five short blasts) sounded by Vessel "B". * **B) not answer the whistle signals from vessel "B":** This is incorrect. While five short blasts is a warning/doubt signal and does not require a specific maneuver response signal (like one short blast for altering course to starboard), Vessel "A" must acknowledge the serious situation by taking action. Ignoring the signal and taking no physical action would be negligent and dangerous, especially since the warning indicates Vessel "B" believes there is an unsafe situation. * **C) sound one prolonged followed by two short blasts:** This signal (Rule 35(c)) is the required whistle signal for a vessel engaged in fishing when making way through the water in restricted visibility (fog, etc.). It has nothing to do with responding to a danger signal or fulfilling the obligation not to impede in clear visibility within a narrow channel. Vessel "A" must take physical action to comply with Rule 9, not sound an inappropriate signal.