Question 1

You depart in clear conditions but encounter visibility below 0.5nm during the passage. What actions does COLREGs and good seamanship require?

Accepted Answer

Reduce to a safe speed (Rule 6); post a dedicated lookout on the bow; switch on radar and use it continuously; sound fog signals (one prolonged blast every 2 min under engine); monitor AIS; consider anchoring clear of channels if speed cannot be maintained safely Rule 6: safe speed is defined as a speed that allows effective action to avoid collision and to stop within a distance appropriate to the conditions. In fog, safe speed is whatever allows you to react to radar or audio contact. Sound signals are mandatory. Anchoring in a safe depth clear of channels is a legitimate and often underused option — a vessel at anchor in fog is safer than a vessel trying to navigate blind through traffic.

Question 2

When planning an offshore passage, why is identifying ports of refuge essential, and what factors determine their suitability?

Accepted Answer

A port of refuge provides a safe haven if conditions deteriorate. Suitability factors: accessible in the expected conditions (depth, bar, height of tide); distance from passage track; available facilities (fuel, medical, communications); whether it can be entered at night; holding ground if anchoring is the only option A well-planned passage has ports of refuge identified at regular intervals, with the skipper having checked each one in the almanac for: entry restrictions (bar depth, tidal window, lock hours), approach hazards, VHF contact channel, facilities, and night entry capability. The decision to divert must be made before conditions force the issue — not during a deteriorating situation when stress and fatigue impair judgment.

Question 3

What is a tidal gate and how should a passage plan account for one?

Accepted Answer

A point on the passage (headland, strait, harbour bar) that can only be safely transited within a specific tidal window — the departure time and speed must be calculated backwards from the tidal gate time to ensure arrival within the window A tidal gate is a location where tidal stream or height of tide limits safe passage to a specific window (e.g. Portland Bill with favourable stream, a bar port at HW±2h). Passage planning must work backwards from the tidal gate: when must I arrive? What speed do I need? When must I depart? If the gate is missed, the skipper needs a pre-planned alternative — waiting area, port of refuge, or anchor.