Question 1

Your power-driven vessel is crossing such that another power-driven vessel is on your own starboard side, with risk of collision. Under Rule 15 (Crossing Situation) and Rule 16 (Action by Give-way Vessel), what is required of you?

Accepted Answer

You are the give-way vessel and shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear, avoiding crossing ahead of the other vessel Rule 15 makes the vessel that has the other on her own starboard side the give-way vessel, and (except in a narrow channel where Rule 9 may apply) requires her to avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel. Rule 16 requires this action to be taken early and to be substantial enough to be readily apparent to the other vessel.

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.