Question 1

True or False: under the IALA Buoyage system used in UK waters (Region A), a red can-shaped buoy marks the port-hand side of a channel when proceeding in the "conventional direction of buoyage".

Accepted Answer

True In IALA Region A (which includes the UK, Europe, Africa, and most of Asia), port-hand marks are red and typically can-shaped (or pillar/spar with a can-shaped topmark), to be kept on the port side of the vessel when proceeding in the conventional direction of buoyage — generally the direction taken when approaching a harbour from seaward. Region B (the Americas, Japan, Korea, Philippines) reverses the colour convention, which is a frequent point of confusion for crew transferring between regions.

Question 2

Two sailing vessels are approaching one another, one on a port tack and the other on a starboard tack, such that risk of collision exists. Under Rule 12, which vessel must keep out of the way of the other?

Accepted Answer

The vessel on the port tack shall keep out of the way of the other Rule 12(a)(i) — when each is on a different tack, the vessel on the port tack keeps out of the way of the vessel on the starboard tack. This is one of the most fundamental rules for sailing vessels and is frequently tested at Yachtmaster level.

Question 3

A vessel of less than 7 metres in length is at anchor in a location that is not in or near a narrow channel, fairway, or anchorage, and not where other vessels normally navigate. Under Rule 30(e), what is her obligation regarding anchor lights/shapes?

Accepted Answer

A vessel of less than 7 metres in length, when at anchor in such a location, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shapes (anchor light/ball) otherwise required by Rule 30 — this is a specific small-vessel exemption tied to both her size and the nature of the location Rule 30(e) provides a practical exemption for very small vessels anchored well away from normal navigation — recognising that requiring full anchor lights/shapes on every small dinghy or yacht anchored in a quiet, out-of-the-way spot would be impractical and of limited safety value.