Question 14

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct: Option C, "reduce your speed to bare steerageway," is the correct action based on Rule 19 (Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). **Rule 19(e)** specifically addresses actions taken when a vessel detects the presence of another vessel by sound (like a fog signal) but has not determined if a risk of collision exists or if the collision is being avoided: > "Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist, every vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam the fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel forward of her beam, **shall reduce her speed to bare steerageway and, if necessary, take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until the danger of collision is over.**" In this scenario, the signal is heard 20° on the starboard bow (i.e., forward of the beam). Since the vessel has only heard the signal and has not visually identified the other vessel or determined the risk, the mandatory action is to reduce speed immediately to bare steerageway. ### Why the Other Options are Incorrect: **A) alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side:** This is dangerous and violates COLREGs. In restricted visibility, Rule 19(d) advises: "A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of an another vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing and/or risk of collision exists. If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, **provided that when such action consists of an alteration of course, so far as possible the following shall be avoided: (i) an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam**..." While this specific rule mentions radar, altering course to port toward a vessel forward of the beam whose position and actions are uncertain is universally considered dangerous and is generally prohibited as an initial avoiding action in poor visibility. **B) alter course to starboard to pass around the other vessel:** While altering course to starboard is generally preferred over port when avoiding collision (if sufficient information is known), taking a course alteration based only on hearing a fog signal is premature and risky. The other vessel's course and speed are unknown, and a sudden course change may worsen the situation or lead to a dangerous alteration relative to an unknown position. The primary and mandated action in this situation is speed reduction (Rule 19(e)). **D) slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you:** This option is similar to C but is less precise and potentially insufficient. Rule 19(e) demands reducing speed specifically to **bare steerageway** (the minimum speed required to maintain control and maneuverability), and, if necessary, taking all way off. Simply "slowing engines" (which might still leave the vessel moving quickly) is inadequate and does not meet the strict requirement of the rule.