Question 1

Risk of collision shall be deemed to exist if:

Accepted Answer

The compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change. Rule 7(d)(i) states that risk of collision shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change. A steady bearing indicates risk, not certainty of collision. Under Rule 7(d)(ii), risk may sometimes exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel or a tow, or when approaching a vessel at close range.

Question 2

Rule 7(b) states that proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational. What must be done with the information obtained?

Accepted Answer

Use long range scanning for early warning of collision risk, and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects.. Rule 7(a): if there is any doubt, such risk shall be deemed to exist. Rule 7(b): proper use of radar includes long range scanning for early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects. This helps assess closest point of approach (CPA) and time to closest point of approach (TCPA). Rule 7(c): assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information. A vessel must not assume a contact will pass clear on the basis of scanty information.

Question 3

You are tracking a vessel by radar and the bearing from you is changing slightly. Does risk of collision exist?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily; risk may still exist despite changing bearing, particularly at close range. If in doubt, assume collision risk exists.. Rule 7(d)(i): risk of collision shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change. BUT Rule 7(d)(ii): such risk may sometimes exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel, a tow, or a vessel at close range. A changing bearing does not guarantee safety, especially at close range. Always assess CPA carefully.

Rule 7, questions and explanations

Risk of collision shall be deemed to exist if:

Rule 7(b) states that proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational. What must be done with the information obtained?

You are tracking a vessel by radar and the bearing from you is changing slightly. Does risk of collision exist?

Practise this properly

Rule 7, questions and explanations

Questions

Risk of collision shall be deemed to exist if:

Rule 7(b) states that proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational. What must be done with the information obtained?

You are tracking a vessel by radar and the bearing from you is changing slightly. Does risk of collision exist?

Practise this properly