AB - Able Seaman Navigation Rules of the Road Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to Rule 5 of the Navigation Rules, which of the following is a component of maintaining a proper look-out?
- Using only visual observation from the bridge.
- Relying solely on radar to detect other vessels.
- Utilizing sight, hearing, and all available means appropriate to the conditions. (Correct answer)
- Assigning the look-out duties to an officer who is also handling communication.
Correct answer: Utilizing sight, hearing, and all available means appropriate to the conditions.
Rule 5 states that "Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision." This requires a multi-faceted approach, not relying on a single method.
Question 2: Under the International Rules, what is the whistle signal for a power-driven vessel altering its course to port when in sight of another vessel?
- One prolonged blast.
- Two short blasts. (Correct answer)
- One short blast.
- Three short blasts.
Correct answer: Two short blasts.
Rule 34(a) of the COLREGs specifies that two short blasts on the whistle indicate "I am altering my course to port." One short blast means altering course to starboard, and three short blasts mean operating astern propulsion.
Question 3: You are on a power-driven vessel and see a sailing vessel on your starboard bow on a collision course. According to the hierarchy of responsibilities between vessels (Rule 18), which vessel is the stand-on vessel?
- The power-driven vessel because it is more maneuverable.
- Whichever vessel is larger.
- The sailing vessel. (Correct answer)
- Both vessels are give-way and must take action.
Correct answer: The sailing vessel.
Rule 18 establishes a hierarchy of responsibility. A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of a sailing vessel, unless the sailing vessel is overtaking the power-driven vessel. Therefore, the sailing vessel is the stand-on vessel and should maintain its course and speed.
Question 4: A power-driven vessel is towing another vessel astern. The length of the tow, from the stern of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow, is greater than 200 meters. What day shape must the towing vessel display?
- A black ball.
- Two cones, apexes together.
- A cylinder.
- A diamond shape. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A diamond shape.
According to Rule 24(a)(v), a power-driven vessel when towing, if the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, shall exhibit a diamond shape where it can best be seen.
Question 5: While navigating in a narrow channel under Inland Rules, you intend to overtake another vessel on its starboard side. What is the correct whistle signal to indicate your intention?
- Two short blasts.
- One short blast. (Correct answer)
- Two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast.
- One prolonged blast.
Correct answer: One short blast.
Under the Inland Navigation Rules, Rule 34(c)(i) states that a power-driven vessel intending to overtake another power-driven vessel shall indicate her intention by sounding one short blast for "I intend to overtake you on your starboard side" or two short blasts for the port side. The International signal (two prolonged followed by one short) is different.
Question 6: Which of the following vessels is considered 'restricted in her ability to maneuver' under the Rules?
- A vessel with a broken-down engine.
- A deep-draft vessel that can only navigate within a narrow channel.
- A vessel engaged in dredging operations. (Correct answer)
- A fishing vessel with its nets out.
Correct answer: A vessel engaged in dredging operations.
A vessel engaged in dredging is one of the specific examples listed under Rule 3(g) as a vessel 'restricted in her ability to maneuver' because the nature of her work restricts her from keeping out of the way of other vessels. A vessel with a broken engine is 'not under command', a deep-draft vessel is 'constrained by her draft', and a fishing vessel has its own category.
AB - Able Seaman Navigation Rules of the Road Questions and Answers
According to Rule 5 of the Navigation Rules, which of the following is a component of maintaining a proper look-out?