DWO Bridge Watchkeeping 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When relieving the bridge watch, the relieving officer should NOT take over if:
- The outgoing officer has completed all log entries
- A maneuver is in progress that has not been completed (Correct answer)
- The vessel is in open ocean with no traffic nearby
- The weather conditions are favorable
Correct answer: A maneuver is in progress that has not been completed
STCW requires the relieving officer to delay taking the watch if a maneuver or action is in progress and not yet completed.
Question 2: The OOW discovers a radar contact that appears to be on a collision course. The FIRST action should be to:
- Immediately alter course to starboard
- Sound five short blasts on the whistle
- Plot the contact and determine CPA and TCPA (Correct answer)
- Call the Master immediately
Correct answer: Plot the contact and determine CPA and TCPA
Before taking any action, the OOW must first systematically plot the target to determine its closest point of approach and time to CPA.
Question 3: Under COLREGS, a vessel engaged in fishing that is making way through the water is required to show:
- Two all-round red lights vertically arranged
- An all-round green light over an all-round white light
- An all-round red light over an all-round white light (Correct answer)
- A masthead light, sidelights, and sternlight
Correct answer: An all-round red light over an all-round white light
A fishing vessel making way shows an all-round red light over an all-round white light, plus sidelights and sternlight.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the 'safe speed' requirement in COLREGS Rule 6?
- To ensure vessels do not exceed 12 knots in restricted visibility
- To allow a vessel to take proper and effective action to avoid collision and stop within a safe distance (Correct answer)
- To limit speed based on vessel length and draft
- To standardize speed limits in Traffic Separation Schemes
Correct answer: To allow a vessel to take proper and effective action to avoid collision and stop within a safe distance
Rule 6 requires safe speed so the vessel can take effective collision avoidance action and stop within an appropriate distance given prevailing conditions.
Question 5: During a bridge watch, the OOW notices a 10-degree increase in course made good over the ground vs. course steered. This most likely indicates:
- A malfunctioning gyrocompass
- A strong cross-current setting the vessel to leeward (Correct answer)
- Steering gear failure
- An error in chart scale
Correct answer: A strong cross-current setting the vessel to leeward
A difference between course steered and course made good typically indicates a tidal or ocean current acting on the vessel.
Question 6: The COLREGS definition of 'vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver' (RAM) does NOT include:
- A vessel engaged in replenishment at sea
- A vessel engaged in dredging operations
- A vessel experiencing engine failure (Correct answer)
- A vessel laying a submarine cable
Correct answer: A vessel experiencing engine failure
A vessel with engine failure is considered 'not under command,' not restricted in ability to maneuver; RAM applies to vessels with work-related constraints, not mechanical failure.
Question 7: When keeping a bridge watch in a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), a vessel should:
- Use the separation zone as a turning basin if needed
- Join or cross the traffic lane at a right angle if crossing (Correct answer)
- Proceed in the opposite direction if it reduces distance
- Anchor within the scheme if the engine fails
Correct answer: Join or cross the traffic lane at a right angle if crossing
COLREGS Rule 10 requires vessels crossing a TSS to do so on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.
DWO Bridge Watchkeeping 2
When relieving the bridge watch, the relieving officer should NOT take over if: