Question 1

You spot a vessel showing a green light above a white light, in a vertical line, at night. In simple terms, what should you report?

Accepted Answer

A vessel that appears to be trawling — report the light combination and bearing, since a fishing vessel with gear out may not be able to manoeuvre freely and needs to be given a wide berth Green over white in a vertical line is the trawling light (Rule 26(b)) — a rating doesn't need to know every detail of the rule, but should recognise this pattern well enough to flag it as "a fishing vessel, possibly with gear deployed" and let the OOW take it from there. The key habit being tested is recognising an unusual light combination and reporting it rather than assuming it's not significant.

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.