Question 1

It is 2210, clear night, good visibility. You are sole OOW on watch. Your ARPA has just acquired a new radar target: a vessel fine on your starboard bow, range 8nm, showing a steady bearing as your own course and speed hold constant. What should you recognise about this situation first?

Accepted Answer

A steady, unchanging compass bearing on an approaching vessel is the classic radar/visual indicator of a developing risk of collision, and this needs active plotting and monitoring from now, not later Rule 7 identifies a constant bearing with decreasing range as the key indicator that risk of collision may exist. Recognising this early — rather than waiting for the target to close further — is what gives you room to assess and act.

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.