Question 1

Your examiner asks: "What additional light must an air-cushion vessel (hovercraft) show under Rule 23(e) when operating in the non-displacement mode, and why?"

Accepted Answer

An all-round flashing yellow light, in addition to her normal power-driven vessel lights, specifically because an air-cushion vessel in non-displacement mode behaves very differently — higher speed, different manoeuvring characteristics, less predictable track — and other vessels need an unambiguous extra warning of that Rule 23(e) is a niche but real provision, included here because it's a good test of whether a candidate has revised beyond the core power-driven/sailing/fishing light patterns into the less commonly examined vessel-type-specific additions. The flashing yellow all-round light is the distinguishing feature — a clear, deliberate extra warning tied to the vessel's genuinely different handling characteristics on-cushion.

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.