COLREGs & Watchkeeping Flashcards

Under STCW, what is the minimum rest requirement for a watchkeeper?

Answer: At least 10 hours rest in any 24-hour period, with no period of rest less than 6 hours, and 77 hours in any 7-day period

STCW requires a minimum of 10 hours rest in any 24-hour period, with no single rest period being less than 6 consecutive hours, and a minimum of 77 hours in any 7-day period. These limits are to prevent fatigue-related accidents.

What is the purpose of BRM (Bridge Resource Management)?

Answer: To optimise the use of all available resources (people, information, equipment) on the bridge to ensure safe navigation

Bridge Resource Management (BRM) is about effectively using all available resources including crew expertise, navigational equipment, charts, and external communications to maintain safe navigation. It emphasises teamwork, communication, and avoiding over-reliance on one person or system.

What is the COLREG Rule 8 requirement for action to avoid collision?

Answer: Action must be positive, made in ample time, large enough to be readily apparent, and not result in another close-quarters situation

Rule 8 requires that any action to avoid collision be taken in ample time (before it becomes urgent), be positive (clearly effective), be large enough to be readily apparent to the other vessel, and not create a new close-quarters situation with a third vessel.

What is 'safe speed' under COLREGs Rule 6?

Answer: A speed at which the vessel can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and stop within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances

Rule 6 requires all vessels to proceed at safe speed, defined as a speed at which proper and effective action to avoid collision can be taken and the vessel can be stopped within an appropriate distance. Factors include visibility, traffic density, manoeuvrability, and depth.

What is the significance of the sector of a vessel's sidelights?

Answer: Red port sidelight covers 112.5° from dead ahead to 22.5° abaft the port beam; green starboard covers the mirror sector — together they tell observers the vessel's aspect

Each sidelight covers an arc of 112.5°, from dead ahead to 22.5° abaft the beam. If you see a red light, the vessel's port side is facing you; if green, the starboard side. This allows determination of the vessel's heading and potential collision risk.

What action must be taken if a vessel overtakes another in a TSS?

Answer: Overtaking is permitted but must be done safely — the overtaking vessel is the give-way vessel under Rule 13

Overtaking is permitted in a TSS. Rule 13 applies — any vessel overtaking another is the give-way vessel and must keep clear. The TSS lane rules (Rule 10) still apply — vessels must proceed in the correct lane.