Question 1

A vessel is anchored within a charted fairway (not a designated anchorage), and another vessel approaching the fairway must alter course to avoid her. Beyond the general COLREGS, what additional consideration often applies to anchoring within a fairway?

Accepted Answer

Many ports/areas have local rules (byelaws, Notices to Mariners) restricting or prohibiting anchoring within fairways except in emergencies — Rule 1(b) recognises that local/special rules made by appropriate authorities apply in addition to (and can be more restrictive than) the COLREGS, so the Master should be aware of and comply with such local requirements Rule 1(b) explicitly preserves the effect of local special rules — fairways are commonly subject to local anchoring restrictions precisely because an anchored vessel there creates a hazard/obstruction to through traffic, even if COLREGS alone might not prohibit it in every case.

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.