Question 1

At night, you sight only a single white light, with no sidelights visible, on a bearing roughly astern of your own vessel. What does this most likely indicate about the other vessel's aspect relative to you, and what situation might be developing?

Accepted Answer

You are most likely seeing only the other vessel's sternlight — meaning that vessel is ahead of you and on approximately the same course, and you may be in an overtaking situation where you (seeing only her stern) are the vessel coming up from behind Rule 13(b) specifically notes that a vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 22.5° aft of her beam — i.e. in a position to see only that vessel's sternlight (and not either sidelight) at night, which is the situation described here from the overtaking vessel's perspective.

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.