RYA Day Skipper Collision Regulations — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), what lights must a power-driven vessel underway display at night?
- A red light only
- A masthead light (white, forward), sidelights (green starboard, red port), and a stern light (white) (Correct answer)
- Two red lights in a vertical line
- Flashing blue lights
Correct answer: A masthead light (white, forward), sidelights (green starboard, red port), and a stern light (white)
A power-driven vessel underway must show a white masthead light forward, green starboard and red port sidelights, and a white stern light. Vessels over 50m must show a second, higher masthead light.
Question 2: Under Rule 12 of the COLREGs, when two sailing vessels are on the same tack, which vessel must give way?
- The vessel to leeward
- The vessel to windward (Correct answer)
- The faster vessel
- The larger vessel
Correct answer: The vessel to windward
When two sailing vessels are on the same tack, the windward vessel must keep out of the way of the leeward vessel. The windward vessel has better manoeuvrability and visibility.
Question 3: What does Rule 5 of the COLREGs require every vessel to maintain at all times?
- Maximum speed
- A proper look-out by sight and hearing, and by all available means (Correct answer)
- Radio silence
- A fixed course
Correct answer: A proper look-out by sight and hearing, and by all available means
Rule 5 requires every vessel to maintain a proper look-out at all times, using sight, hearing, and all available means (including radar and AIS) appropriate to the prevailing circumstances.
Question 4: Under the COLREGs, what action should the 'give-way' vessel take?
- Slow down and wait
- Take early and substantial action to keep well clear (Correct answer)
- Flash navigation lights
- Sound five short blasts
Correct answer: Take early and substantial action to keep well clear
Rule 16 states that the give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to keep well clear. The action should be obvious to the other vessel and taken in good time.
Question 5: When approaching a narrow channel, which side should you keep to under Rule 9?
- The centre of the channel
- The starboard (right) side of the channel (Correct answer)
- The port (left) side
- Either side depending on traffic
Correct answer: The starboard (right) side of the channel
Rule 9 requires vessels navigating in a narrow channel or fairway to keep as near to the outer limit of the channel on their starboard (right-hand) side as is safe and practicable.
Question 6: What sound signal should a vessel make in restricted visibility under Rule 35?
- No sound signals are required
- A power-driven vessel making way must sound one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes (Correct answer)
- Continuous ringing of a bell
- Three short blasts every minute
Correct answer: A power-driven vessel making way must sound one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes
Under Rule 35, a power-driven vessel making way through the water must sound one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes. Different signals apply for different vessel types and states.
RYA Day Skipper Collision Regulations
Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), what lights must a power-driven vessel underway display at night?