Question 1

Your vessel is underway in fog and making way through the water. Under Rule 35 (Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility), what signal must be sounded, and how often?

Accepted Answer

One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than 2 minutes Rule 35(a) requires a power-driven vessel making way through the water to sound one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than 2 minutes. A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through the water sounds two prolonged blasts in succession (Rule 35(b)), with the same 2-minute interval.

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.