Rules of the Road

Question 1

What vessels are deemed underway irrespective of their lights?

Answer 1

• PWD
• Air Cushion/seaplane/WIG
• Towing Vessel
• Sailing Vessel (SV/L)
• CBD
• RAM - Towing/ Mine clearance

Question 2

What vessels are deemed making way or not making way?

Answer 2

• Fishing - trawling and other
• NUC
• RAM - other

Question 3

What vessels can you not determine the length of by their lights?

Answer 3

• SV/L
• Fishing other than trawling
• Towing when seen from astern / vessel being towed
• NUC

Question 4

In Rule 9, Narrow Channels, describe the impede relationships.

Answer 4

• V/L<20m length or SV/L shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can only safely navigate within a narrow channel or fairway. So, if my vessel can navigate outside the channel safely then there is no impede relationship.
• V/L engaged in fishing(V/LEF) shall not impede the passage of any vessel in a narrow channel or fairway. So, irrespective of my ability to navigate outside the channel a V/LEF shall not impede my passage
• The crossing V/L should not impede the passage of a V/L which can only safely navigate within a narrow channel or fairway (the same principle applies as the first paragraph).

Question 5

In Rule 10, TSS, describe the impede relationships.

Answer 5

• V/L <20m or a SV/L shall not impede the safe passage of a PWD following a traffic lane
• V/LEF shall not impede the passage of any V/L following a traffic lane