ROTR

Question 1

Rule 6

Answer 1

Safe Speed

Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and 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 shall be among those taken into account:

(a) By all vessels:
The state of visibility
The traffic density including concentrations of fishing vessels or any other vessels
The maneuverability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions
At night the presence of background lights or back scatter
State of wind, sea and current, and proximity to navigational hazards
The draft in relations to available depth of water

(b) Additionally, by vessels with operational radar
The characteristics, efficiency, and limitation of the radar equipment
Any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use
The effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather, and other sources of interference
The possibility that small vessels, ice, and other floating objects may not be detected by radar at an adequate range
The number location and movement of vessels
The more exact assessment of the visibility that may be possible when radar is used to determine the range of vessels or other objects in the vicinity

Question 2

Rule 2

Answer 2

Responsibility
(a) nothing in these rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master, or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.
(b) in construing and complying with these rules due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these rules necessary to avoid immediate danger

Question 3

Rule 5

Answer 3

Lookout
every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight as well as by hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision

Question 4

Rule 7

Answer 4

Risk of Collision
(a) every vessel shall use all available means apppropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if ROC exists. If there is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist.
(b) Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational, including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of ROC and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects
(c) assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information
(d) In determining if ROC exists the following considerations shall be among those taken into account
- Such rish shall be deemed to exists if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change
- Such risk may sometimes exists even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel in a tow or when approaching a vessel at close range

Question 5

Rule 8

Answer 5

Action to avoid collision
(a) any action taken to avoid collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be positive, made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship
(b) any alteration of course and/or speed to avoid collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or by radar
- a succession of small alterations of course and/or speed shall be avoided
(c) If there is sufficient sea room, alteration of course alone may be the most effective action to avoid a close-quarters situation provided that it is made in good time, is substantial, and does not result in another close-quarters situation
(d) Action taken to avoid collision with another vessel shall be such as to result in passing at a safe distance, the effectiveness of the action shall be carefully checked until the other vessel is finally past and clear
(e) if necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the situation, a vessel may slacken her speed or take all way off by stopping or reversing her means of propulsion