Question 1

Under Rule 25, a sailing vessel underway of less than 20 metres in length may, instead of separate sidelights and a sternlight, exhibit a single tri-colour combined lantern at or near the top of the mast.

Accepted Answer

True True. Rule 25(b) permits this exact arrangement for sailing vessels under 20m — a single masthead-mounted tri-colour lantern combining red, green and white sectors, as an alternative to separate sidelights and sternlight. It's commonly tested because candidates sometimes assume combined lanterns are only a small-craft/RYA-syllabus topic rather than a genuine COLREGs provision examinable at OOW level.

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.