MCA CoC Collision Regulations (COLREGs)

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?

Accepted Answer

The vessel which has the other on her starboard side

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Take avoiding action in ample time, avoiding an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Two masthead lights (fore and aft), sidelights, and a sternlight

Answer

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'?

Accepted Answer

A vessel which by the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre as required by the Rules

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Rapid ringing of the bell for about 5 seconds at intervals of not more than one minute

Answer

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.

MCA CoC Practice Test

MCA CoC Practice Test

MCA CoC Collision Regulations (COLREGs)