Question 1

Why did the Third Officer assume Nirali would pass astern of Jabal Hafit, according to her own account to investigators?

Accepted Answer

Based on her previous encounters with fishing vessels, which had passed astern or stopped The Third Officer told investigators she assumed Nirali would not cross the bow, based on past encounters with fishing vessels — despite no clear indication Nirali was even displaying fishing-vessel lights, and despite Nirali having no AIS fitted at all. This is a textbook case of normalisation of deviance: a pattern that has held before is treated as a rule.

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.