Question 1

You're in a developing close-quarters situation inside a VTS area. The VTS operates on a duplex VHF channel that requires an assistant to relay messages between ships. What should guide your priorities?

Accepted Answer

Take collision-avoidance action under the COLREGS based on your own assessment — don't wait for or rely on VTS/VHF to resolve a close-quarters situation MAIB found VTS intervention in the Verity/Polesie collision came late, complicated by a duplex VHF arrangement requiring relayed messages — and that neither ship applied the COLREGS diligently in the meantime. VHF and VTS can supplement your situational awareness, but they're never a substitute for your own COLREGS-compliant action.

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.