Question 1

Visibility drops to 200 metres in the English Channel. You are on watch at 15 knots. Describe your obligations under COLREGs Rule 19.

Accepted Answer

Rule 19 requires: proceed at safe speed adapted to restricted visibility; have engines ready for immediate manoeuvre; not assume a risk of collision by radar alone; if you detect a vessel forward of the beam by radar only, avoid an alteration to port (unless overtaking) and avoid an alteration towards a vessel abeam or abaft. If you hear a fog signal forward of the beam, reduce to minimum steerage way or stop. These actions apply to ALL vessels regardless of crossing/head-on status. COLREGs Rule 19 is the most important rule for OOW orals and appears in virtually every oral exam. Key elements: (a) Rules 4-10 apply (look-out, safe speed, risk of collision, sound signals, narrow channels, TSS); (b) safe speed adapted for restricted visibility — 15 knots in 200m visibility is almost certainly excessive; (c) radar detection does not automatically determine if risk of collision exists; (d) if echo detected forward of beam — avoid alteration to port for a vessel on port bow, avoid turning towards a vessel abeam or abaft; (e) fog signal forward of beam — reduce to minimum steerage way. Note: Rules 11-18 (give-way/stand-on) do NOT apply in restricted visibility. All vessels are equals under Rule 19.

Question 2

You're preparing a passage plan for a coastal leg in a yacht drawing 3.2m. At one point the chart shows a least depth of 3.8m at chart datum. What MUST you check before finalising this leg?

Accepted Answer

The tidal height at the time of transit to confirm sufficient under-keel clearance Charted depths are referenced to chart datum (often LAT), so you must add the predicted tidal height for your transit time to get the actual depth, then compare to your draft plus a safety margin to confirm UKC.

Question 3

During your watch the ECDIS gives a "safety contour crossing" alarm. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Assess the situation against the planned route and charted depths, take action to maintain safe water, and inform the Master if there is any doubt A safety contour alarm indicates the vessel may be approaching water shallower than the set safety contour. It must be investigated against the route and charted information, with avoiding action taken and the Master informed as appropriate — never simply silenced.