SVOP Collision Regulations and Seamanship 2

Question 1

What lights must a vessel engaged in towing display at night when the tow exceeds 200 metres in length?

Accepted Answer

Three masthead lights in a vertical line, sidelights, sternlight, and a towing light — plus a diamond shape by day

Answer

Rule 24 requires a towing vessel with a tow exceeding 200 m to show three masthead lights vertically (instead of the normal one or two), sidelights, a sternlight, and a yellow towing light above the sternlight. By day: a diamond shape where best seen on both towing and towed vessel.

Question 2

What does Rule 2 of the Collision Regulations ('Responsibility') state about following the rules?

Accepted Answer

It acknowledges that strict adherence to the rules does not override the need for good seamanship — operators must depart from the rules if necessary to avoid immediate danger

Answer

Rule 2 is the 'general prudential rule': in construing and complying with the rules, due regard shall be given to dangers of navigation and the special circumstances of the case — departures from the rules may be necessary to avoid immediate danger. This reinforces that seamanship and common sense override rigid rule-following.

Question 3

What is the requirement for a vessel to display a 'restricted in ability to manoeuvre' (RAM) dayshape?

Accepted Answer

A ball, diamond, and ball in a vertical line — displayed when engaged in work that limits ability to manoeuvre (dredging, laying cables, underwater ops, replenishment at sea)

Answer

A vessel restricted in ability to manoeuvre displays ball-diamond-ball in a vertical line by day. This indicates it is engaged in work (dredging, surveying, mineclearance, dive support, replenishment at sea) that limits its ability to deviate from course, so other vessels must give it wide berth.

Question 4

When two vessels are meeting head-on in a narrow channel and there is not enough room to pass, what should they do?

Accepted Answer

Both vessels should communicate via VHF, agree on a passing arrangement, and the vessel with most sea room or easiest manoeuvring should back down first

Answer

When meeting in a narrow channel with insufficient room to pass safely, both operators should communicate on VHF (Ch 16 or the working channel), agree on the safest arrangement, and the vessel with more sea room or easier manoeuvrability should back down to allow the other to proceed.

Question 5

What does the term 'give way early and substantially' mean in practice?

Accepted Answer

Make a large, clearly visible course or speed change while there is still plenty of room — not a small tweak at the last moment

Answer

Rule 16 requires that the give-way vessel's action be early (with plenty of time and space remaining) and substantial (a course change of 30° or more, or a large speed reduction) so that the stand-on vessel can clearly see and confirm that avoiding action is being taken.

SVOP - Small Vessel Operator Proficiency Practice Test

SVOP - Small Vessel Operator Proficiency Practice Test

SVOP Collision Regulations and Seamanship 2