Question 1

Following a close-quarters situation that didn't result in a collision but came uncomfortably close, your examiner asks: "As Chief Officer reviewing this with the OOW involved, what should you ensure is preserved as evidence, and why does it matter even though nothing happened?"

Accepted Answer

VDR data (if the vessel doesn't have automatic long-term VDR retention, a manual save/download before it's overwritten), radar/ARPA plots or screenshots, the deck logbook entry made contemporaneously (not reconstructed afterwards), and a written statement from the OOW and lookout while memory is fresh — near-misses that are properly recorded feed both genuine safety learning (SMS non-conformity review, company-wide lessons) and protect the company and individuals if the incident is later scrutinised, e.g. by the other vessel's operator or a Port State authority This tests the Chief Officer's role as the bridge between a watchkeeping incident and both the safety-management system and any downstream legal/investigative process. VDR data in particular is frequently overwritten automatically within a set period — a Chief Officer who doesn't know to intervene promptly after a genuine near-miss can lose the single most objective piece of evidence, safety-learning material included.

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.