Collision Regulations (COLREG) and Watchkeeping
The examiner tests practical rule application, not recitation. Expect a short encounter description - two or three vessels, courses and speeds - and a demand for the rule number, the action required and the reason. Watchkeeping questions usually attach to STCW Chapter VIII and to the master's night orders.
The core rules (Part B)
- Rule 5 lookout by sight and hearing and all available means.
- Rule 6 safe speed: visibility, traffic density, manoeuvrability, background lights, state of wind/sea, draft relative to depth.
- Rule 7 risk of collision: assume it if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change; doubt means risk.
- Rules 13–15 overtaking, head-on, crossing. Rules 16–17 give-way and stand-on action. Rule 18 responsibilities between vessel types.
- Rule 19 restricted visibility: no stand-on vessel, safe speed, radar plotting, avoid altering to port for a vessel forward of the beam (other than one overtaken).
Worked example - crossing encounter
Vessel A steers 000°T at 15 kn. Target B bears 045°T at 8.0 nm; six minutes later bearing is 045°T at 6.3 nm. Bearing constant with range decreasing means risk of collision under Rule 7. Both are power-driven; A's heading is 000°, so B's relative bearing is 045° - on A's starboard side, forward of the beam. Under Rule 15, A is the give-way vessel and must take early and substantial action. Because B is forward of A's beam and close, A should avoid crossing ahead and should normally alter course to starboard to pass astern of B, or reduce speed substantially.
Watchkeeping
STCW requires a continuously updated bridge team: lookout, position fixing at planned intervals, BNWAS active, handover with the relieving officer, master informed when in doubt. Night orders and standing orders must be read and signed.
Traps that cost marks
- Calling a vessel fine on the bow "overtaking" when it is a crossing case.
- Forgetting there is no stand-on vessel in restricted visibility.
- Quoting Rule 8 without saying the action must be large enough to be readily apparent on the radar.
- Ignoring Rule 9 duties in a narrow channel, such as not impeding a vessel that can only navigate within the channel.