Question 157Navigation General

The correct answer is D) Turn away from the whale and leave at slow speed. This is the correct answer because under the US federal regulations, vessels are required to move away from a North Atlantic right whale at a slow, safe speed if they find themselves within 500 yards of one. The regulations prohibit vessels from approaching within 500 yards of a right whale, and if this distance is inadvertently breached, the vessel must depart the area at a slow, safe speed while maintaining a parallel course to the whale. This minimizes the risk of collision or disturbance to the protected marine mammal. The other options are incorrect because A) stopping and sounding the whistle is not the required action, B) slowing to bare steerageway may not provide enough distance, and C) leaving at full speed could potentially harm the whale.