Question 1

You are the stand-on vessel in a crossing situation. The give-way vessel is not taking any apparent action as the situation closes. Under Rule 17, what should you do?

Accepted Answer

Initially maintain course and speed (Rule 17(a)(i)), but if it becomes apparent the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action, you may take action to avoid collision yourself (Rule 17(a)(ii)); if collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel's action alone, you must take whatever action will best aid in avoiding collision, which should not normally include an alteration to port for a vessel on your own port side Rule 17 sets out a graduated response for the stand-on vessel: maintain course/speed initially, but act if the give-way vessel's inaction makes collision imminent — with Rule 17(c) cautioning against an alteration to port for a vessel on the stand-on vessel's own side in a crossing situation.

Question 2

Rule 5 (Look-out) requires every vessel at all times to maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing, as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions — and this duty applies even when the vessel is at anchor in a busy anchorage.

Accepted Answer

True True. Rule 5 applies 'at all times' and to 'every vessel'. A vessel at anchor in a busy anchorage still needs an effective look-out to detect drifting vessels, dragging anchors, or approaching traffic that may pose a risk of collision or contact.

Question 3

Under Rule 6 (Safe Speed), a vessel fitted with a fully operational radar and ARPA never needs to reduce speed in restricted visibility, because the equipment guarantees early detection of other vessels.

Accepted Answer

False False. Rule 6 explicitly lists radar capability as one factor to consider, but also requires accounting for the state of visibility, traffic density, manoeuvrability, and the limitations of radar (range scale, sea/rain clutter, blind sectors). Even a vessel with excellent radar must proceed at a speed that allows proper and effective action to avoid collision and to be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances.