Question 1

You're asked, in basic terms, why COLREGs Rule 2 matters to you even as a rating who isn't making the collision-avoidance decisions. What's the correct answer?

Accepted Answer

Rule 2 says nothing in the collision regulations exonerates a vessel, owner, master or crew from the consequences of neglecting precautions required by ordinary practice of seamen — in practice, this means everyone onboard, including the lookout, is expected to use common sense and flag anything that looks wrong, not just follow a checklist and assume it isn't their problem COLREGs Rule 2 (the "general prudential rule") is deliberately written to apply to the whole vessel and everyone aboard, not just the officer of the watch — it's the rule that backs up why a lookout's job is judgement and vigilance, not passively watching until told to stop. It doesn't create personal legal liability for a rating; it establishes that ordinary good seamanship and precaution are expected of everyone, on top of the specific numbered rules.

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.