MCA CoC Collision Regulations (COLREGs) — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Rule 15 of the COLREGs, when two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, which vessel is the give-way vessel?
- The vessel which has the other on her port side
- The vessel which has the other on her starboard side (Correct answer)
- The larger vessel
- The vessel proceeding at the greater speed
Correct answer: The vessel which has the other on her starboard side
Rule 15 states that when two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way. This vessel must avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel if circumstances permit.
Question 2: According to Rule 19 (Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility), what action should a vessel take when she detects by radar alone another vessel forward of her beam?
- Maintain course and speed
- Sound five short blasts on the whistle
- Take avoiding action in ample time, avoiding an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam (Correct answer)
- Immediately reduce speed to bare steerageway
Correct answer: Take avoiding action in ample time, avoiding an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam
Rule 19(d) states that a vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing. If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, and if this consists of an alteration of course, she shall avoid altering course to port for a vessel forward of the beam (except when overtaking).
Question 3: What lights must a power-driven vessel of 50 metres or more in length display when underway at night?
- Masthead light, sidelights, and sternlight only
- Two masthead lights (fore and aft), sidelights, and a sternlight (Correct answer)
- One masthead light and an all-round white light
- Sidelights only
Correct answer: Two masthead lights (fore and aft), sidelights, and a sternlight
Under Rule 23, a power-driven vessel of 50 metres or more in length must display two masthead lights (one forward and one abaft of and higher than the forward one), sidelights (green to starboard, red to port), and a sternlight. Vessels under 50 metres may display only one masthead light.
Question 4: Under the COLREGs, what is the definition of a 'vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre'?
- Any vessel over 200 metres in length
- A vessel which by the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre as required by the Rules (Correct answer)
- Any vessel in a narrow channel
- A vessel with engine trouble
Correct answer: A vessel which by the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre as required by the Rules
Rule 3(g) defines a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre as one which, from the nature of her work, is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre as required by the Rules. Examples include vessels engaged in dredging, surveying, replenishment at sea, mine clearance, towing operations that restrict deviation, and vessels engaged in launching or recovering aircraft.
Question 5: What sound signal is prescribed by the COLREGs for a vessel at anchor in restricted visibility?
- One prolonged blast every two minutes
- Rapid ringing of the bell for about 5 seconds at intervals of not more than one minute (Correct answer)
- Two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast
- Three short blasts every minute
Correct answer: Rapid ringing of the bell for about 5 seconds at intervals of not more than one minute
Rule 35(f) requires a vessel at anchor to ring the bell rapidly for about 5 seconds at intervals of not more than one minute. A vessel of 100 metres or more must additionally sound the gong immediately after the bell signal, in the after part of the vessel. A vessel at anchor may also sound three blasts (short-long-short) to warn approaching vessels.
Question 6: According to Rule 9, what is required of a vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel when navigating in a narrow channel?
- She must keep to the centre of the channel
- She shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel (Correct answer)
- She has right of way over all other vessels
- She must display additional navigation lights
Correct answer: She shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel
Rule 9(b) 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. This recognises that larger vessels may be constrained by their draught to navigate within the channel and cannot easily take avoiding action.
MCA CoC Collision Regulations (COLREGs)
Under Rule 15 of the COLREGs, when two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, which vessel is the give-way vessel?