Question 12

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for B (Correct Answer):** The situation described involves two vessels on crossing courses where the other vessel is on your starboard bow. Under the Inland and International Rules of the Road (COLREGs), you are the Stand-on vessel (since the vessel on your starboard bow is the Give-way vessel). However, the vessel on your starboard bow (the Give-way vessel) has sounded five short blasts. Five short blasts (or more) is the danger or doubt signal (Rule 34(d)). This signal indicates that the vessel sounding it (in this case, the Give-way vessel) doubts whether sufficient action is being taken by the other vessel to ensure safety, or doubts the intentions of the other vessel, or believes a dangerous situation is developing. Even though you are the Stand-on vessel, Rule 17(b) allows the Stand-on vessel to take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent that the Give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. More critically, Rule 17(a)(ii) mandates that when the Stand-on vessel finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the Give-way vessel alone, she **shall** take such action as will best aid to avoid collision. When the danger signal is sounded by the other vessel, it signifies a high level of doubt and potential danger, requiring immediate and substantial action. Therefore, the appropriate response is to take immediate, bold, and effective action to dispel the doubt and ensure safety. This usually involves making a **large course change** and/or **slowing down significantly** (or reversing engines) to clearly communicate your intentions and maximize the passing distance, thus fulfilling the requirement to avoid a dangerous close-quarters situation or collision. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) initiate a passing signal that will allow for a half mile clearance:** This is incorrect because initiating a standard passing signal (like one or two short blasts) ignores the danger signal that has already been sounded. When a danger signal is used, the situation requires immediate evasive action, not a proposal for standard passing procedures. Furthermore, Rule 9 (Narrow Channels) and Rule 34 (Maneuvering and Warning Signals) emphasize that mutual understanding is paramount; if doubt exists (signified by five blasts), attempting to set up a standard pass is insufficient and dangerous. * **C) reduce speed slightly:** This action is insufficient when a danger signal has been sounded. The danger signal calls for a prompt and substantial maneuver to remove all doubt and ensure safe passage. A slight reduction in speed might not be noticeable to the other vessel, nor may it be enough to avoid the developing close-quarters situation. * **D) answer the signal and hold course and speed:** This is entirely incorrect. You should never hold course and speed after a danger signal is sounded. Answering the danger signal with a danger signal is appropriate if you also share the doubt, but simply holding course and speed violates the fundamental principle of taking action to avoid collision when danger is apparent (Rules 17 and 8).