SVOP Collision Regulations and Seamanship 2

Question 1

What lights must a vessel engaged in towing display at night when the tow exceeds 200 metres in length?

Accepted Answer

Three masthead lights in a vertical line, sidelights, sternlight, and a towing light — plus a diamond shape by day

Answer

Two masthead lights, sidelights, and a yellow flashing light at the stern

Answer

The same lights as a power-driven vessel underway — no special lights are required for towing

Answer

A single white light forward and a flashing amber light at the towing post

Question 2

What does Rule 2 of the Collision Regulations ('Responsibility') state about following the rules?

Accepted Answer

It acknowledges that strict adherence to the rules does not override the need for good seamanship — operators must depart from the rules if necessary to avoid immediate danger

Answer

Rule 2 requires all vessels to follow COLREGS exactly as written with no exceptions under any circumstances

Answer

Rule 2 permits commercial vessels to disregard lights and shapes requirements in good visibility

Answer

Rule 2 only applies to commercial vessels over 300 GT and is not relevant to SVOP operators

Question 3

What is the requirement for a vessel to display a 'restricted in ability to manoeuvre' (RAM) dayshape?

Accepted Answer

A ball, diamond, and ball in a vertical line — displayed when engaged in work that limits ability to manoeuvre (dredging, laying cables, underwater ops, replenishment at sea)

Answer

Two black balls in a vertical line — same as 'not under command'

Answer

An inverted cone only — to differentiate from a towing vessel on the same bearing

Answer

RAM dayshapes are only required at night; no day signal is specified in the rules

Question 4

When two vessels are meeting head-on in a narrow channel and there is not enough room to pass, what should they do?

Accepted Answer

Both vessels should communicate via VHF, agree on a passing arrangement, and the vessel with most sea room or easiest manoeuvring should back down first

Answer

The vessel proceeding upstream (against the current) always has right of way and the other must reverse

Answer

The give-way vessel determined by COLREGS crossing rules must immediately stop engines

Answer

Both vessels should anchor simultaneously and wait for a Vessel Traffic Service ruling

Question 5

What does the term 'give way early and substantially' mean in practice?

Accepted Answer

Make a large, clearly visible course or speed change while there is still plenty of room — not a small tweak at the last moment

Answer

Signal your intention to give way by sounding one short blast before altering course

Answer

Slow to bare steerageway as soon as you identify the stand-on vessel

Answer

Call the stand-on vessel on VHF to confirm your intentions before altering course

Question 6

What is 'compass deviation' and how is it determined for a vessel?

Accepted Answer

The error in the compass caused by the vessel's own magnetic field — determined by swinging the vessel on known headings and comparing compass readings to magnetic bearings

Answer

The annual change in magnetic variation recorded on Admiralty charts

Answer

The difference between true and magnetic north at a given location

Answer

The error introduced by electrical interference from the vessel's radio equipment