MCA CoC COLREGs & Watchkeeping 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What lights must a vessel at anchor display?
- An all-round white anchor light at the forward part of the vessel and, if 50m or more, a second all-round white light aft and lower (Correct answer)
- Red and green sidelights and a stern light
- A flashing yellow light
- Only a white stern light
Correct answer: An all-round white anchor light at the forward part of the vessel and, if 50m or more, a second all-round white light aft and lower
A vessel at anchor (not underway) shows an all-round white light at the fore part. If 50m or longer, a second all-round white light is shown aft and at a lower position. No sidelights or stern light are shown while at anchor.
Question 2: What sound signal does a vessel sound in restricted visibility when making way through the water?
- One prolonged blast every two minutes (Correct answer)
- One short blast every minute
- Two prolonged blasts every two minutes
- Three short blasts every two minutes
Correct answer: One prolonged blast every two minutes
A power-driven vessel making way through the water in restricted visibility sounds one prolonged blast at intervals not exceeding two minutes (Rule 35). A vessel stopped but not at anchor sounds two prolonged blasts with a two-second interval, at two-minute intervals.
Question 3: What does a vessel sounding 'five or more short blasts' signal under COLREGs?
- Doubt or danger — the other vessel's intentions are unclear or a collision is considered imminent (Correct answer)
- I am altering my course to starboard
- I am altering my course to port
- I intend to overtake on your starboard side
Correct answer: Doubt or danger — the other vessel's intentions are unclear or a collision is considered imminent
Five (or more) short blasts is the danger or doubt signal (Rule 34d) — used when one vessel does not understand the other's intentions or considers that insufficient action is being taken to avoid collision. It is a warning signal, not a manoeuvring signal.
Question 4: What shape must a vessel under sail but also using an engine display in daylight?
- A black cone, apex down, in the fore part of the vessel (Correct answer)
- A black ball forward
- Two black cones apex together (diamond shape)
- No special day shape is required
Correct answer: A black cone, apex down, in the fore part of the vessel
A vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery (motor-sailing) must display a black cone, apex downwards, in the fore part of the vessel. This makes it clear the vessel is technically a power-driven vessel and must give way accordingly.
Question 5: What is the purpose of Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) under COLREGs?
- To organise opposing streams of traffic into separate lanes with a separation zone, reducing the risk of head-on collisions in busy areas (Correct answer)
- To designate fishing grounds
- To identify areas of restricted navigation due to military exercises
- To separate vessels by size or type
Correct answer: To organise opposing streams of traffic into separate lanes with a separation zone, reducing the risk of head-on collisions in busy areas
Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) establish one-way traffic lanes separated by a central separation zone in busy shipping channels. Vessels must use the correct lane for their direction, reducing head-on encounters. COLREGs Rule 10 governs conduct in TSS.
Question 6: What does STCW stand for and what is its significance for watchkeeping?
- Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping — the international convention setting minimum competency standards for seafarers (Correct answer)
- Ship Traffic Control Watchkeeping — the VTS system
- Standard Technical Certificate in Watchkeeping — a UK domestic qualification
- Safety Training for Commercial Vessels — a pre-sea training requirement
Correct answer: Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping — the international convention setting minimum competency standards for seafarers
STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Convention, 1978 as amended) is the IMO convention establishing international minimum standards for training, certification, and watchkeeping hours for commercial seafarers.
MCA CoC COLREGs & Watchkeeping 2
What lights must a vessel at anchor display?