Question 1

You're called to the bridge two minutes after your OOW reports a possible collision with a fishing vessel that has since disappeared from view. No impact sound was heard from inside the bridge and no VHF distress call has come in. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Treat it as a possible collision until proven otherwise: switch on searchlights, turn back toward the last known position, attempt contact, and continue searching until you can rule it out In the real incident, the Master concluded a collision hadn't happened — reasoning that no impact was heard and no VHF call was received — and ordered the vessel back onto its planned course without searching. The vessel did not return to the collision site. Not hearing an impact from an enclosed bridge, and a fishing vessel with no VHF distress capability, are not evidence that nothing happened. Five of Nirali's eight crew were lost; survivors weren't found for approximately 18 hours, by a sister fishing vessel — not by Jabal Hafit.

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.