Question 1

MAIB recommended that bridge procedures designate a second officer to handle VHF radio when the OOW is engaged in collision avoidance. Why does this matter specifically in a developing close-quarters situation?

Accepted Answer

Communication tasks compete directly with collision avoidance for the OOW's attention, and in a developing close-quarters situation that competition can consume the exact window needed to act The VHF call that reached King Arthur's OOW two minutes before the collision is exactly the scenario Rec 2020/116 is written to prevent — a second officer handling radio frees the OOW to focus entirely on avoiding action during the critical window.

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.