Question 1

You are sailing in patchy fog, 20nm south of the Isle of Wight. A large warship suddenly appears through the fog approximately 500 metres away on a crossing course. You are on autopilot under engine and sail. What should you have already been doing that you may not be?

Accepted Answer

Sounding fog signals (one prolonged blast every 2 min under engine), maintaining a proper radar/lookout, monitoring Ch 16, and reducing speed to minimum steerage way — all required in or near restricted visibility by COLREGs Rule 19 COLREGs Rule 19 applies in restricted visibility — the give-way/stand-on hierarchy of Rules 12-18 is SUSPENDED. Every vessel must: proceed at a safe speed, maintain a proper lookout by all available means (radar, AIS, eyes, sound), and sound fog signals. Failing to sound signals or maintain proper watch means you contributed to the close-quarters situation.

Question 2

The warship is now 400m away. You can see it is a large grey frigate with no visible national flag markings yet. It appears to be making 15 knots. What do you do in the next 30 seconds?

Accepted Answer

Identify the vessel on AIS if fitted; check radar; try calling on Ch 16 immediately; assess collision risk by checking if the bearing is changing; prepare to take avoiding action under Rule 19 In restricted visibility, ASSESS first: use AIS/radar to identify and track. A constant bearing with decreasing range = collision risk. Under Rule 19, avoid altering course to port for a vessel on your port bow, and avoid turning toward a vessel that appears abeam or abaft. Calling on Ch 16 establishes communication — vital with a warship. The right-of-way hierarchy does NOT apply in fog.

Question 3

The warship sounds FIVE short blasts on its horn. What does this signal mean under COLREGs and what should you do?

Accepted Answer

Five short blasts = the danger signal under Rule 34(d) — the other vessel doubts you are taking sufficient action to avoid collision. You must take immediate, large, and obvious avoiding action COLREGs Rule 34(d): five or more short blasts = the danger or doubt signal. It means the other vessel considers your actions insufficient to avoid collision. This is an emergency signal requiring immediate, obvious avoiding action — a large alteration, not a small course change. The real yacht reportedly altered course after this signal — correct decision, regardless of who had technical right of way.