MCA Certificate of Competency Collision Avoidance Regulations Questions and Answers Flashcards

You are on a power-driven vessel in restricted visibility and detect by radar alone a target on your starboard bow. A risk of collision is deemed to exist. According to Rule 19, which of the following actions should be avoided?

Answer: An alteration of course to port.

Rule 19(d)(i) of the COLREGs explicitly states that when taking action to avoid a close-quarters situation based on radar information alone, an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam should be avoided (unless overtaking). Altering to starboard is a generally accepted action, and reducing speed is also a valid option under Rule 19(e). Maintaining course and speed when a risk of collision exists is contrary to the general requirements of the rules.

While navigating at night, you observe a vessel ahead displaying three all-round red lights in a vertical line. What does this indicate?

Answer: A vessel constrained by her draught.

According to Rule 28 of the COLREGs, a vessel constrained by her draught may exhibit three all-round red lights in a vertical line. A vessel not under command would show two all-round red lights (Rule 27). A vessel aground would show two all-round red lights plus anchor lights (Rule 30). A vessel engaged in dredging shows red-white-red lights (Rule 27).

You are the Officer of the Watch on power-driven Vessel A. You observe power-driven Vessel B on your starboard side, on a crossing course, and a risk of collision exists. Under the COLREGs, what is Vessel A's primary responsibility?

Answer: Take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

In a crossing situation between two power-driven vessels, Rule 15 states the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way. Therefore, Vessel A is the 'give-way' vessel. Rule 16 requires the give-way vessel to take early and substantial action to keep well clear. Altering course to port is generally to be avoided.

In accordance with Rule 9 (Narrow Channels), which of the following actions is required for a vessel of less than 20 metres in length?

Answer: Not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within the channel.

Rule 9(b) of the COLREGs states that a vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway. All vessels should keep to the starboard side of the channel (Rule 9a) and avoid anchoring in the channel if possible (Rule 9g).

What is the mandatory sound signal for a sailing vessel underway in restricted visibility?

Answer: One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes.

Rule 35(c) of the COLREGs specifies that a sailing vessel, among others, shall sound one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes when in or near an area of restricted visibility. One prolonged blast is for a power-driven vessel making way, and two prolonged blasts are for a power-driven vessel underway but stopped.

A power-driven vessel is overtaking a sailing vessel. According to the COLREGs, which statement is correct?

Answer: The power-driven vessel must keep out of the way, as it is an overtaking vessel.

Rule 13(a) states that 'any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken'. This rule takes precedence over the hierarchy in Rule 18 (Responsibilities between vessels). Therefore, regardless of whether it is a power-driven vessel or a sailing vessel, the overtaking vessel is always the give-way vessel.