Question 1

During your oral exam you are asked: you are underway in restricted visibility (fog) and detect another vessel forward of your beam by radar only, with no visual or audible contact yet. What is your obligation under the COLREGS regarding action to avoid collision?

Accepted Answer

Rule 19 requires that, having detected the presence of another vessel solely by radar, you determine if a close-quarters situation is developing and/or risk of collision exists, and if so, take avoiding action in ample time — specifically avoiding, if the circumstances allow, an alteration of course toward a vessel forward of the beam (other than for a vessel being overtaken) or toward a vessel abeam or aft of the beam Rule 19 specifically addresses conduct in restricted visibility and recognises that radar may be the only means of detecting another vessel, requiring action to be taken based on radar information alone if risk of collision or close-quarters situation is indicated — waiting for visual confirmation in fog could mean waiting until it is too late to act effectively. The specific guidance against altering course toward a vessel forward of the beam (except when overtaking) reflects the recognised risk of such an alteration inadvertently closing the range or creating a new close-quarters situation, a pattern that has featured in several fog-related collisions where one vessel's "avoiding" alteration brought it into the other's path.

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.