USCG Exam PracticeRule 19 — Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
Your vessel is navigating in dense fog and detects a radar contact fine on the port bow. The contact's CPA indicates a close-quarters situation is developing. You determine an alteration of course is the appropriate avoiding action. Which of the following best describes the constraints Rule 19 places on that alteration?
- A. A port alteration is preferred because it opens the CPA; a starboard alteration is prohibited for contacts forward of the beam
- ✓ A port alteration shall be avoided for a vessel forward of the beam; a starboard alteration is not similarly restricted for that geometryCorrect
- C. Any course alteration is prohibited; only a speed reduction is permitted under Rule 19
- D. An alteration toward the contact is required to establish visual contact before maneuvering
Why B is correct
33 CFR §83.19(d)(i) prohibits an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam (other than for a vessel being overtaken). No equivalent prohibition is placed on a starboard alteration for a vessel forward of the beam. 33 CFR §83.19(d)(ii) separately prohibits altering toward a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.