PART B - STEERING AND SAILING RULES

Question 1

Rule 4

Answer 1

Application
Rules 4 - 10. Rules in this section apply in any condition of visibility

Question 2

Rule 5

Answer 2

Lookout -

All vessels shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight, hearing and all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of risk of collision

Question 3

Rule 6

Answer 3

Safe speed -

Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions

in determining a safe speed the following factors should be considered:

by all vessels - VDMLWD
by vessels with radar- CCWTFV

Question 4

RULE 6 - Determining safe speed following factors by all vessels

Answer 4

BY ALL VESSELS:

V - state of visibility
D -density traffic, fishing / other
M - manoeuvrability, stopping /
turning ability.
L - light interference at night, back
scatter from shore or own vessel
W - state of wind, current, sea, nav
hazards
D - Draught in relation to available
water

Question 5

RULE 6 - Determining safe speed following factors by vessels with radar.

Answer 5

BY VESSELS WITH RADAR:

C - characteristics, efficiency,
limitations of equipment.
C - constraints by radar range /
scale
W - weather effects on radar
detection, sea state / other
T - traffic, smaller vessels, ice ,
other objects may not be
detected
F - frequency / location, movement
of vessels detected by radar

V - precise assessment of visibility by determining the range of nearby vessels or objects

Question 6

Rule 7

Answer 6

Risk of Collision
A) Every vessel shall use all available means to determine if a risk of collision exists, if there is any doubt, ROC should be deemed to exist.

B) proper use shall be made of radar equipment, including long range scanning ( early warning) and plotting equipment (systematic observation)

C) assumptions shall not be made on scanty information / scanty radar information

D) In determining ROC exists these considerations shall be taken into account-
i) compass bearing does not change of an approaching vessel then a ROC is assumed.
ii) risk may sometimes exist even when a bearing change is evident, especially when nearing large vessel, a tow or at close range

Question 7

Rule 8

Answer 7

Action to avoid collision
A) action shall be in accordance with these rules, be positive, in ample time and with due regard to good seamanship.

B) Any change in course or speed to avoid a collision should be noticeable to other vessels, either visually or by radar. Avoid making multiple small changes.

C) if there is enough sea room, Alteration alone may be the best action providing it is safe to do so and does not result in another close quarters situation.

D) Action should result in passing at a safe distance. Should be monitored until finally past and clear.

E) If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time, A vessel shall slacken speed/take way off/reverse propulsion.

F) NOT TO IMPEDE:
Shall take early action to allow sufficient sea room.
Both vessels are not relieved of their obligations to comply by the rules of this part in taking action to avoid collision.

Question 8

Rule 9

Answer 8

Narrow channels
A) Vessels in a narrow channel shall keep to the starboard side, outer limit of channel or fairway.

B) Vessels < 20m and SV shall not impede those who can only navigate in the channel.

C) C) FV shall not impede any vessels navigating in the channel.

D) A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if it impedes a vessel that can navigate there. 5 short blasts can be used if the larger vessel is unsure.

E) Overtaking - when the vessel being over taken has to take action. The appropriate sound signals shall be used. (2 L 2 S for port)
or (2 L 1 S for Stbd) then (L S L S ) to agree.

F) Extra care should be taken when approaching a bend or obscured section of the channel and the sound appropriate signal shall be utilised. (One long)

G) Any vessel shall avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.

Question 9

Rule 10

Answer 9

A) Does not relieve any vessel of their obligation under any rule.

B) Vessels using a TSS shall: Proceed in the correct lane, follow flow. Avoid the separation line or TSZ, join or leave at the termination point or when joining or leaving at sides do so at small angle as possible.

C) Vessels should avoid crossing but if obliged to, do so as close to a right angle to the traffic flow as possible.

D) (i) Vessels shall not use the ITZ if they can safely navigate in the traffic lane, apart from vessels < 20m , SV and FV may use the ITZ.

(ii) Vessels may use the ITZ for specific purposes or to avoid immediate danger

E) Only FV proceeding and others when avoiding immediate danger may enter the TSZ or cross the separation line.

F) Vessels navigating near a termination point are to take particular caution.

G) Anchoring is to be avoided

H) If not using a TSS it should be avoided by as far as possible

I)FV shall not impede any vessel following a traffic lane.

J) Vessels <20m and SV shall not impeded PDV in traffic lane.

K. L) RAM are exempt from this rule when completing maintenance of the TSS, or submarine cable work within the TSS to the extent necessary to carry out the work.