Page 153 - Collision Avoidance Rules Guide

Fog signal reported
If the master or officer in charge is informed that a fog signal has
been heard apparently forward of the beam when the vessel is pro-
ceeding at a speed appreciably above bare steerage way, the engines
should be stopped or speed reduced, unless it has been determined
that there is no risk of collision. A look-out posted forward may be
able to hear a fog signal before it can be heard from the bridge.
Chusan-Protector

I see no excuse for the failure of the Master and pilot to act upon the report
made to them by the third officer, when he informed them that he had heard
the whistle of a vessel ahead. It seems to me that it is no excuse on the part of
either pilot or master to say he did not hear it himself. If the officer of the
watch, or the look-out, or anybody else, reports the hearing of a whistle from
a vessel forward of the beam, it seems to me the imperative duty. . . comes
into force at once. (Mr Justice Willmer, 1955)

Signal of anchored vessel
Rule 19(e) applies when the fog signal of any other vessel is heard
apparently forward of the beam. If the fog signal of a vessel at anchor
is heard, apparently ahead, and the vessel has not previously been
detected by radar, the engines should be stopped and the way taken
off if necessary. This will also apply to signals heard from such
vessels as wreck marking vessels.
Cannot avoid a close quarters situation

The speed must be reduced to the minimum at which a vessel can be
kept on her course if a close quarters situation cannot be avoided, with
a vessel forward of her beam. If a vessel is unable to avoid a close
quarters situation, due perhaps to lack of sea room or to action taken
by the other vessel, she must reduce speed in ample time without
waiting for a close quarters situation to develop. The greater the initial
speed the greater the range at which the speed should be reduced.

Shall reduce her speed

Rule 16 of the 1960 Regulations required a power-driven vessel to
stop her engines on hearing, apparently forward of her beam, the fog
signal of another vessel whose position had not been ascertained, or
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