RYA Day Skipper Collision Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a head-on situation between two power-driven vessels (Rule 14), what action should each vessel take?
- The larger vessel has right of way
- Both vessels should alter course to starboard so that each passes on the port side of the other (Correct answer)
- Both vessels should stop
- The vessel on the right has priority
Correct answer: Both vessels should alter course to starboard so that each passes on the port side of the other
In a head-on situation, both power-driven vessels must alter course to starboard (right) so that they pass port-to-port. This is similar to road traffic passing on opposite sides.
Question 2: Under Rule 18, which of the following vessels has the highest priority (least obliged to give way)?
- A power-driven vessel
- A sailing vessel
- A vessel not under command (Correct answer)
- A vessel engaged in fishing
Correct answer: A vessel not under command
The hierarchy under Rule 18 gives priority to: vessel not under command (highest), vessel restricted in ability to manoeuvre, vessel constrained by draught, fishing vessel, sailing vessel, power-driven vessel (lowest).
Question 3: What is a 'crossing situation' under Rule 15, and which vessel must give way?
- Two vessels approaching from directly behind — the overtaking vessel gives way
- When two power-driven vessels cross so as to involve risk of collision — the vessel with the other on her starboard side must give way (Correct answer)
- Only applies to sailing vessels
- The faster vessel always gives way
Correct answer: When two power-driven vessels cross so as to involve risk of collision — the vessel with the other on her starboard side must give way
In a crossing situation between power-driven vessels, the vessel that has the other on her starboard (right) side must give way. She should avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.
Question 4: What does five or more short and rapid blasts on a ship's whistle signify?
- The vessel is turning to starboard
- Doubt that the other vessel is taking sufficient action to avoid collision, or failure to understand intentions (Correct answer)
- The vessel is backing up
- The vessel requires a pilot
Correct answer: Doubt that the other vessel is taking sufficient action to avoid collision, or failure to understand intentions
Five or more short and rapid blasts is the danger or doubt signal under Rule 34(d). It is sounded when a vessel is unsure of the other's intentions or believes the other is not taking adequate action.
Question 5: Under the COLREGs, what must the 'stand-on' vessel do?
- Alter course immediately
- Maintain course and speed, but be prepared to take avoiding action if the give-way vessel fails to act (Correct answer)
- Stop engines
- Turn to port
Correct answer: Maintain course and speed, but be prepared to take avoiding action if the give-way vessel fails to act
Rule 17 requires the stand-on vessel to maintain her course and speed. However, she may take action to avoid collision if it becomes apparent the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action.
Question 6: What lights does a vessel at anchor display at night under the COLREGs?
- Red over green
- An all-round white light, or if over 50m, two all-round white lights (one forward, one aft, with forward higher) (Correct answer)
- Flashing yellow light
- No lights required at anchor
Correct answer: An all-round white light, or if over 50m, two all-round white lights (one forward, one aft, with forward higher)
A vessel at anchor must display an all-round white light visible from all directions. Vessels over 50m must show two all-round white lights — one forward (higher) and one aft.
RYA Day Skipper Collision Regulations 2
In a head-on situation between two power-driven vessels (Rule 14), what action should each vessel take?