Question 1

You're the OOW on a cargo ship in open water at night. Radar shows another vessel on a steady, closing bearing and your vessel is the give-way vessel in a crossing situation. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Make an early, substantial alteration of course and/or speed, large enough to be readily apparent to the other vessel MAIB's investigation into the Verity/Polesie collision (German Bight, 24 Oct 2023, 5 fatalities) found that Verity, as the give-way vessel, made only small autopilot course adjustments rather than the early and substantial action required by Rule 16 — leaving the other vessel unable to tell whether any avoiding action was being taken at all.

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.