Question 1

Looking back at this whole developing situation: if you had delayed your original alteration by another 10 minutes, waiting to be 'more certain', what would the likely consequence have been?

Accepted Answer

A materially reduced CPA, less sea room and time to recover if the manoeuvre needed adjusting (as it did, once the other vessel also altered), and a real risk of the situation developing into a close-quarters situation under Rule 19-style last-minute avoidance rather than the early, unhurried Rule 8 action actually taken — this is exactly the pattern behind many MAIB collision findings: late recognition compounding into late, less effective action This closes the loop on the whole chain: early recognition (step 1) is what created the margin that made the rest of the sequence — assessment, decision, verification, and recovery from the other vessel's own alteration — manageable rather than a last-minute crisis.

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.