Question 1

During a fire drill briefing, the Bosun explains that COLREGs sound signals also cover vessels aground, not just vessels underway. What should you know, at a basic level, about the sound signal for a vessel aground?

Accepted Answer

It involves rapid bell-ringing in addition to the normal anchor bell signal — a distinctive pattern (short strokes, then rapid ringing, then short strokes again) meant to stand out clearly from an ordinary anchored vessel's signal so you don't mistake one for the other Annex IV / Rule 30 gives a vessel aground a distinctly different signal from a vessel simply at anchor — bell strokes followed by rapid ringing, repeated — precisely so that a listening lookout or OOW isn't misled into thinking a grounded vessel (a real hazard blocking the water) is just a routine anchored ship. A rating doesn't need the exact timing memorised, but should know the two signals aren't the same and know to report anything unusual.

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.