Question 1

Your vessel has been in a collision. As Chief Officer, you're asked by the examiner: "How does a breach of COLREGs affect liability in a collision claim, in outline?"

Accepted Answer

A proven breach of COLREGs by a vessel is treated as strong evidence of fault in a collision claim, and courts/tribunals apportion liability between the vessels according to the degree to which each vessel's fault contributed to the collision — this is the 'both to blame' principle under the 1910 Brussels Collision Convention framework that most maritime nations, including the UK, apply, replacing the old presumption that a rule-breaking vessel was automatically wholly at fault This is squarely a Chief Mate/Master-level competence — understanding that COLREGs breaches feed into a proportional fault system, not an automatic all-or-nothing outcome, is essential for anyone who may need to give evidence or understand a P&I Club's handling of a collision claim. The 'both to blame' apportionment approach (percentage fault split between vessels) is the modern standard most flag states and courts, including UK courts, apply.

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.