Question 1

Your examiner asks: "Two sailing vessels are approaching one another and a risk of collision exists. Neither is under power. How does Rule 12 decide who keeps clear?"

Accepted Answer

If each has the wind on a different side, the vessel with the wind on the port side keeps clear of the other. If both have the wind on the same side, the windward vessel keeps clear of the leeward vessel. If a vessel with wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine which side the wind is on for that other vessel, she must assume the worst case and keep clear Rule 12 is genuinely distinct from the power-driven vessel rules and is easy to under-revise on a mostly-merchant syllabus, but it remains examinable. The port-tack-keeps-clear / windward-keeps-clear structure, plus the "if in doubt, assume the worse case" fallback, is the complete rule — note it is starboard tack that has priority over port tack (the option as worded reversed this to test careful reading), and "windward keeps clear of leeward" when both are on the same tack.

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.