Question 1

Two vessels near you both show closing CPAs from different directions in fog — one crossing, one overtaking. Which one gives you less room to assume it will ‘sort itself out’?

Accepted Answer

The overtaking vessel — Rule 13 makes it solely responsible for keeping clear, but that doesn't remove your own obligation to keep tracking its position as your own manoeuvres change Tricolor was legally the overtaking vessel and responsible for keeping clear — but it was Kariba's own turn to solve the Clary problem that put her in Tricolor's path. Legal responsibility for keeping clear doesn't remove your own obligation to keep tracking a vessel's actual position.

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.