Question 1

Your vessel is the stand-on vessel in a crossing situation with a power-driven vessel that should be giving way but shows no sign of altering course or speed as the range closes. Under COLREGS Rule 17, what are you required to do?

Accepted Answer

Take action to avoid collision by your own manoeuvre as soon as it becomes apparent the other vessel is not taking appropriate action COLREGS Rule 17 requires the stand-on vessel to maintain course and speed only until it becomes apparent the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action — at which point the stand-on vessel must act. In this incident, the Third Officer never reached that decision point; she remained on the assumption that Nirali would give way, until it was too late to avoid the collision.

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.