Question 1

You are the OOW with three other vessels visible, each presenting a different type of situation (one crossing from your starboard side, one being overtaken by you, one approaching nearly head-on). How should multiple simultaneous situations be managed?

Accepted Answer

Each situation should be assessed and the appropriate rule applied to each vessel individually (Rule 15 to the crossing vessel, Rule 13 to the vessel being overtaken, Rule 14 to the head-on vessel), while ensuring that action taken in response to one does not create or worsen risk with another — Rule 8(f) and general good seamanship require considering the overall picture, not just one contact at a time While each rule (13, 14, 15) is framed for a two-vessel encounter, real situations often involve multiple vessels simultaneously — the OOW must apply the correct rule to each relationship while ensuring an action that resolves one situation does not create a new close-quarters situation with another 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.