RYA Day Skipper Buoyage & COLREGs 2

Question 1

A vessel sees the following lights at night: red over white over red. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The vessel is a pilot vessel on duty

Answer

Red over white over red is the light combination for a pilot vessel on duty (COLREGs Rule 29). It may also show sidelights and sternlight when underway.

Question 2

In a head-on situation between two power-driven vessels at night, both see each other's red and green sidelights. What should each vessel do?

Accepted Answer

Both alter course to starboard to pass port-to-port

Answer

COLREGs Rule 14: in a head-on situation, both vessels are give-way vessels and both must alter to starboard, passing port side to port side.

Question 3

What lights must a vessel of less than 7 metres in length, capable of no more than 7 knots, show at night?

Accepted Answer

An all-round white light, plus sidelights if practicable

Answer

COLREGs Annex I and Rule 23(d): small vessels under 7m and 7 knots need only show an all-round white light. Sidelights are shown if practicable.

Question 4

A North Cardinal mark should be passed to the:

Accepted Answer

North of the mark

Answer

Cardinal marks indicate safe water in the direction the mark's name suggests. A North Cardinal is passed to its north — safe water lies to the north of the hazard.

Question 5

COLREGs Rule 5 requires every vessel to maintain:

Accepted Answer

A proper lookout by sight and hearing, using all available means

Answer

Rule 5 is fundamental: a proper lookout must be kept at all times by sight and hearing, and by radar, AIS, and all other means appropriate to the circumstances.

RYA Day Skipper Practice Test

RYA Day Skipper Practice Test

RYA Day Skipper Buoyage & COLREGs 2