Question 1

Rule 5 requires every vessel to maintain a proper lookout. By what means?

Accepted Answer

By sight and hearing and by all available means appropriate to prevailing circumstances and conditions. Rule 5: 'Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and 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.' This includes radar, AIS, night vision, and any other available means.

Question 2

On a small yacht at night with only two crew, both are required for sail trimming. How should Rule 5 be complied with?

Accepted Answer

The helmsman can maintain lookout while steering, using all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances as required by Rule 5.. Rule 5 requires all available means appropriate to prevailing circumstances. For a small shorthanded vessel at night, the helmsman typically maintains visual lookout while steering, supplemented by radar if fitted, AIS if available, and good situational awareness. This is not a derogation, it is the application of 'appropriate to circumstances'. The standard required of a small yacht with two crew is different from a large ship with a dedicated lookout. However, the duty to maintain a proper lookout is not removed.

Question 3

A vessel has radar fitted and operational. Under Rule 5, how must it be used as part of the lookout?

Accepted Answer

Radar must form part of the lookout's 'all available means', with a proper watch maintained on the radar display.. Rule 5 requires lookout by sight and hearing and by ALL AVAILABLE MEANS appropriate to the prevailing circumstances. A vessel with operational radar must use it as part of the lookout, maintaining a proper watch on the display, not just switching it on and ignoring it. This includes long-range scanning for early warning and systematic observation of detected targets (Rule 7(b)).

Rule 5, questions and explanations

Rule 5 requires every vessel to maintain a proper lookout. By what means?

On a small yacht at night with only two crew, both are required for sail trimming. How should Rule 5 be complied with?

A vessel has radar fitted and operational. Under Rule 5, how must it be used as part of the lookout?

Practise this properly

Rule 5, questions and explanations

Questions

Rule 5 requires every vessel to maintain a proper lookout. By what means?

On a small yacht at night with only two crew, both are required for sail trimming. How should Rule 5 be complied with?

A vessel has radar fitted and operational. Under Rule 5, how must it be used as part of the lookout?

Practise this properly