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Hong Kong Part A Written Test study materials
Hong Kong Part A Written Test study resources

Hong Kong Part A Written Test practice questions

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Question 1Seamanship and Boat Handling

Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, a power-driven vessel underway in open water must show which lights when making way at night?

  1. Only sidelights and a sternlight, because the masthead lights are reserved for vessels over 50 metres
  2. Two red all-round lights in a vertical line and sidelights
  3. A single all-round white light and sidelights, as for a vessel under 12 metres
  4. A masthead light forward, a second masthead light abaft and higher, sidelights, and a sternlight Correct answer.

Explanation

A power-driven vessel underway of 50 metres or more shows two masthead lights in a vertical line, with the after one higher than the forward one, plus sidelights and a sternlight. Vessels under 50 metres are not required to show the second masthead light but may do so.

Question 2Seamanship and Boat Handling

You are steering a small craft and see a vessel approaching from your starboard side on a crossing course, with risk of collision. What action do the rules require you to take?

  1. Alter course to port and pass ahead of the other vessel
  2. Sound one short blast and hold your course
  3. Keep out of the way and, if possible, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel Correct answer.
  4. Maintain course and speed, because you are the stand-on vessel

Explanation

In a crossing situation the vessel with the other on her starboard side is the give-way vessel and must keep out of the way. The give-way vessel should normally avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel, and an alteration to starboard is usually the safer choice.

Question 3Seamanship and Boat Handling

In Hong Kong waters, what does a steady white light visible over the bow at night most likely indicate when no other lights are shown?

  1. A vessel at anchor showing an all-round white light Correct answer.
  2. A vessel engaged in fishing with trawling gear
  3. A vessel aground warning others to keep clear
  4. A vessel not under command

Explanation

A vessel at anchor shows an all-round white light where it can best be seen, and by day a black ball forward. A single steady white light seen ahead at night is consistent with an anchored vessel, so you should pass at a safe distance and keep a close watch.

Question 4Seamanship and Boat Handling

When preparing to leave a alongside berth in a cross wind that is pushing your boat onto the pontoon, which technique is most appropriate for a single-screw vessel?

  1. Leave the bow line fast and go full astern to pull the stern clear first
  2. Spring off the bow line and use ahead power with the rudder turned toward the pontoon
  3. Rig a stern spring, go astern against it to swing the bow out, then release and proceed Correct answer.
  4. Cast off all lines at once and drive ahead before the wind takes effect

Explanation

A stern spring held while going astern pivots the bow away from the pontoon, using propeller wash and the spring as a fulcrum. Once the bow is clear the line is released and the vessel can proceed ahead into open water.

Question 5Seamanship and Boat Handling

What is the principal purpose of a spring line when a vessel is moored alongside a quay in a tidal harbour?

  1. To lift the vessel clear of the bottom at low water
  2. To prevent fore-and-aft movement along the quay Correct answer.
  3. To hold the vessel off the quay wall
  4. To provide a towline for another vessel

Explanation

Spring lines lead fore and aft to restrain movement along the quay caused by tide, current, or engine wash. Breast lines hold the vessel in to the quay, while springs control surging ahead and astern.

Question 6Seamanship and Boat Handling

A vessel is anchored in a strong tidal stream with the wind blowing against the tide. What is the most likely behaviour of the vessel at the anchor?

  1. She will sail continuously around the anchor in wide circles
  2. She will lie to the wind and the chain will lie slack along the bottom
  3. She will lie to the tide and the chain will lead ahead and be bar-tight Correct answer.
  4. She will drag the anchor because wind and tide oppose each other

Explanation

When wind opposes tide, the stronger force, usually the tidal stream in a narrow channel, determines the vessel's heading. The vessel lies to the tide with the cable leading ahead, and the wind simply pushes the hull slightly to one side.

Question 7Seamanship and Boat Handling

What scope of anchor cable is normally recommended for a small craft anchoring overnight in moderate conditions?

  1. About two times the depth of water
  2. About eight to ten times the depth of water Correct answer.
  3. Exactly one and a half times the depth of water
  4. About three to four times the depth of water

Explanation

A scope of roughly eight to ten times the depth gives the cable a good horizontal lead and absorbs surge. Shorter scope may hold in calm, sheltered water for a short stop but gives poor holding overnight.

Question 8Seamanship and Boat Handling

You are approaching a harbour entrance with a strong onshore wind and a breaking swell across the bar. Which action is most prudent?

  1. Enter close along the lee breakwater at full speed
  2. Wait offshore for more favourable conditions and keep clear of the breaking zone Correct answer.
  3. Turn beam-on to the swell to reduce pitching
  4. Increase speed to punch through the breaking crests

Explanation

A breaking bar is dangerous to small craft, and the prudent course is to stand off and wait for the swell to ease or the tide to change. Entering when the bar is breaking risks being pooped, broached, or swamped.

Question 9Seamanship and Boat Handling

What does the term 'broach' describe when a vessel is running before a following sea?

  1. The bow burying deeply into the back of the next wave
  2. The vessel being pushed sideways by the wind while at anchor
  3. The stern being swung broadside to the waves and the vessel rolling dangerously Correct answer.
  4. The propeller racing as the stern lifts clear of the water

Explanation

Broaching occurs when a following sea overtakes the vessel and swings the stern sideways, turning the hull broadside to the waves. This exposes the vessel to a beam-on sea and can lead to a knock-down or capsize.

Question 10Seamanship and Boat Handling

Under the Prevention of Collisions Regulations, which sound signal indicates a vessel is in doubt about another vessel's intentions or is in danger of collision?

  1. At least five short and rapid blasts Correct answer.
  2. One short blast
  3. Three short blasts
  4. Two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast

Explanation

At least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle is the doubt signal, used when a vessel is unsure of another's intentions or fears a collision. It is a warning that immediate attention is required.

Question 11Seamanship and Boat Handling

In a narrow channel, you wish to overtake a vessel ahead. What signal should you sound and what must you hear before proceeding?

  1. One long blast; the vessel ahead must answer with one short blast
  2. Five short blasts; the vessel ahead must answer with five short blasts
  3. Three short blasts; no answer is required
  4. Two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts; the vessel ahead must answer with two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts Correct answer.

Explanation

The overtaking signal in a narrow channel is two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts, meaning 'I intend to overtake on your port side'. The vessel ahead must answer with the same signal before the overtaking vessel may proceed.

Question 12Seamanship and Boat Handling

What is the correct order of actions when recovering a person who has fallen overboard in daylight?

  1. Turn the vessel first, then post a lookout once the person is in sight
  2. Reduce speed and wait for the person to swim to the vessel
  3. Immediately stop the engine, then throw a line, then turn the vessel
  4. Shout 'man overboard', throw buoyant equipment, post a lookout, and manoeuvre to return Correct answer.

Explanation

The immediate priorities are to alert the crew, throw buoyant equipment to mark the position, and keep the person in sight with a dedicated lookout. Only then should the helm manoeuvre to return, ideally approaching into wind and sea.

Question 13Seamanship and Boat Handling

Which manoeuvre is generally recommended for returning to a person in the water when the vessel has good manoeuvrability?

  1. The Anderson turn, a quick turn back toward the casualty's position Correct answer.
  2. A single 360-degree turn away from the casualty
  3. Stopping immediately and drifting downwind to the casualty
  4. The Williamson turn, which is slow and suited to poor visibility

Explanation

The Anderson turn is a rapid recovery manoeuvre used when the person is still in sight and the vessel can turn quickly. It brings the vessel back alongside in the shortest time, which matters in cold water.

Question 14Seamanship and Boat Handling

A boat is planing at speed and the helm feels heavy and the bow is dropping. What is the most likely cause and correction?

  1. Too much stern trim; move weight forward and reduce throttle Correct answer.
  2. Too much bow-up trim; move weight aft and increase throttle
  3. Insufficient fuel; switch to the reserve tank
  4. Cavitation at the propeller; raise the engine leg

Explanation

A bow-down, heavy-helm attitude at planing speed usually indicates excessive stern trim, often from weight aft or the outboard trimmed in. Moving weight forward and easing the throttle restores a level attitude and lighter steering.

Question 15Seamanship and Boat Handling

When approaching a mooring buoy single-handed in a cross current, which approach is generally most controllable?

  1. Approach from downwind at full speed and reverse hard at the buoy
  2. Approach from up-current at a shallow angle, keeping a slow speed and steerage way Correct answer.
  3. Approach beam-on to the current to keep the buoy abeam
  4. Approach from down-current and drift onto the buoy with the engine in neutral

Explanation

Approaching from up-current at a shallow angle lets the current help you close the buoy while you retain steerage way. Speed should be slow enough to stop in time, with the engine ready to go astern.

Question 16Seamanship and Boat Handling

What does the term 'squat' describe as a vessel moves through shallow water at speed?

  1. The vessel sinking bodily and trimming by the stern due to reduced under-keel clearance Correct answer.
  2. The propeller biting more effectively in shallow water
  3. The vessel rising on its own bow wave and reducing draft
  4. The anchor dragging in soft mud

Explanation

In shallow water the flow around the hull accelerates, lowering pressure and causing the vessel to sink bodily and often trim by the stern. Squat increases with speed and reduces under-keel clearance, so speed should be reduced in shoal water.

Question 17Seamanship and Boat Handling

Which factor most strongly increases the interaction effect when two vessels pass close together in a narrow channel?

  1. The colour of the hulls
  2. The speed of the vessels and the narrowness of the channel Correct answer.
  3. The number of crew on deck
  4. The state of the tide alone

Explanation

Interaction between vessels passing close aboard grows with speed and with restricted water width, which increases the flow around the hulls. The effect is strongest at close range and high speed, so speed should be reduced when passing.

Question 18Seamanship and Boat Handling

A vessel is required to display a black ball shape. In which situation is this shape used?

  1. A vessel at anchor by day Correct answer.
  2. A vessel aground by day
  3. A vessel constrained by her draft by day
  4. A vessel not under command by day

Explanation

A vessel at anchor shows a black ball forward by day where it can best be seen. This warns other craft that the vessel is stationary and swinging to her cable.

Question 19Seamanship and Boat Handling

When a vessel is aground in a tidal area, what is the first priority once the safety of the crew is assured?

  1. Assess the tide, the damage, and the risk of further flooding before attempting to refloat Correct answer.
  2. Immediately apply full astern to pull off the bank
  3. Anchor from the stern to hold position
  4. Discharge all ballast to lighten the vessel at once

Explanation

Before attempting to refloat, the master should assess the tide, check for damage and flooding, and consider the risk of worsening the situation. Refloating too early can pull the hull further onto the bank or open seams.

Question 20Seamanship and Boat Handling

What is the main purpose of a sea anchor when a small craft is caught in heavy weather?

  1. To anchor the vessel to the seabed in deep water
  2. To tow another vessel in distress
  3. To hold the vessel head-to-wind and reduce drift and roll Correct answer.
  4. To increase the vessel's speed downwind

Explanation

A sea anchor is streamed from the bow to keep the vessel's head to the wind and sea, reducing drift and the risk of broaching. It works by drag in the water rather than by holding on the bottom.

Question 21Seamanship and Boat Handling

Which statement correctly describes the effect of loading a small craft with heavy weights high up and near the ends?

  1. It improves the vessel's ability to recover from a roll
  2. It raises the centre of gravity and increases the risk of capsize Correct answer.
  3. It has no effect on stability if the total weight is unchanged
  4. It lowers the centre of gravity and increases stability

Explanation

Weight placed high and near the ends raises the centre of gravity, reducing the righting lever and increasing the risk of capsize. Heavy items should be stowed low and near the centre of the vessel.

Question 22Seamanship and Boat Handling

A vessel's freeboard is reduced by overloading. What is the most direct consequence for seaworthiness?

  1. Improved fuel consumption at planing speed
  2. Better resistance to rolling because the hull is deeper
  3. Greater ability to steer in a following sea
  4. Increased risk of taking water over the side or stern in a seaway Correct answer.

Explanation

Reducing freeboard brings the deck edge closer to the water, so seas can come aboard more easily and the vessel loses reserve buoyancy. Overloading is a common cause of swamping in small craft.

Question 23Seamanship and Boat Handling

When using a chart plotter and paper chart together in a narrow harbour, which practice best guards against a positioning error?

  1. Assume the chart datum matches the plotter datum without checking
  2. Cross-check the plotter position against visual transits and soundings on the paper chart Correct answer.
  3. Rely solely on the plotter because it is more accurate than the chart
  4. Turn off the plotter's alarms to avoid distraction

Explanation

Electronic positions should be confirmed against visual transits, soundings, and known marks, especially in confined water. This cross-check catches datum errors, offsets, and plotter failures before they cause a grounding.

Question 24Seamanship and Boat Handling

What is the correct action when a vessel with the wind astern is running before a heavy sea and begins to yaw badly?

  1. Increase speed to stay ahead of the waves
  2. Reduce speed and consider altering course to take the sea on the quarter Correct answer.
  3. Turn broadside to the sea to reduce yawing
  4. Stop the engine and drift beam-on

Explanation

Reducing speed lets the waves pass under the vessel rather than overtaking her, and altering course to take the sea on the quarter reduces yawing. Running too fast before a following sea invites broaching.

Question 25Seamanship and Boat Handling

In a crossing situation at night, you see only a green sidelight and a white masthead light approaching from your starboard bow. What does this tell you?

  1. The other vessel is at anchor
  2. The other vessel is crossing from starboard to port and you are the give-way vessel Correct answer.
  3. The other vessel is crossing from port to starboard and you are the stand-on vessel
  4. The other vessel is overtaking you from astern

Explanation

Seeing a green sidelight and a masthead light means the other vessel's starboard side faces you, so she is crossing from your starboard side. In that situation you are the give-way vessel and must keep out of her way.

Question 26Seamanship and Boat Handling

Under the Prevention of Collisions Regulations, a power-driven vessel underway at night is required to display which basic set of lights?

  1. A masthead light, sidelights and a sternlight Correct answer.
  2. Two all-round red lights in a vertical line
  3. A single all-round white light only
  4. Sidelights and a sternlight only, with no masthead light

Explanation

A power-driven vessel underway of less than 50 metres shows a masthead light forward, sidelights and a sternlight; larger vessels add a second masthead light. These lights define both the type of vessel and the direction it is heading, allowing others to apply the steering rules.

Question 27Seamanship and Boat Handling

You are berthing a small launch alongside a pontoon with an offshore wind blowing you off. Which line should you secure first to hold the boat against the pontoon?

  1. A spring line led forward from the stern, to hold the boat alongside Correct answer.
  2. A line from the bow to a point well aft on the pontoon
  3. The stern line, to stop the boat sliding forward
  4. The bow line, to pull the bow into the wind

Explanation

In an offshore wind the boat is pushed away from the berth, so a spring line set first lets you hold position and motor against it while the remaining lines are made up. The spring controls fore-and-aft movement and keeps the hull parallel to the pontoon.

Question 28Seamanship and Boat Handling

What is the main reason for keeping a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all available means?

  1. To confirm the engine is running at the correct temperature
  2. To satisfy the requirement to record the vessel's position every hour
  3. To allow the helmsman to leave the helm unattended
  4. To detect hazards and other traffic in time to take avoiding action Correct answer.

Explanation

The collision regulations require a lookout by sight, hearing and all available means so that risk of collision can be detected early enough for action to be effective. Electronic aids supplement but never replace eyes and ears, particularly for small craft and unlit objects.

Question 29Seamanship and Boat Handling

You are recovering a person from the water on the windward side of a small boat in a fresh breeze. Why is recovery on the leeward side usually preferred?

  1. The boat drifts away from the person, keeping the propellers clear
  2. The engine can be left in gear throughout the recovery
  3. The hull shelters the person from wind and sea, and the boat drifts down onto them Correct answer.
  4. The person can be lifted higher because of the heel

Explanation

Approaching with the person on the leeward side gives them shelter from wind and spray and lets the boat drift down toward them, which is easier to control than being blown onto them. The engine should be in neutral with the propeller stopped before anyone is close alongside.

Question 30Seamanship and Boat Handling

When a vessel is proceeding in a narrow channel, which action best satisfies the requirement not to impede the passage of a larger vessel that can safely navigate only within the channel?

  1. Keep as near the outer limit of the channel on your starboard side as is safe and practicable Correct answer.
  2. Maintain course and speed so the larger vessel can predict your movements
  3. Cross the channel immediately to the opposite bank
  4. Stop and anchor in mid-channel until the vessel has passed

Explanation

Small craft and vessels able to navigate outside the channel must keep clear of the channel as far as is safe and practicable, normally keeping to the starboard outer edge. This gives deep-draught traffic the room it needs while keeping your own movements predictable.

Question 31Seamanship and Boat Handling

What effect does adding heavy ballast low in the hull of a small open boat generally have on its stability?

  1. It makes the boat more likely to capsize in a beam sea
  2. It raises the centre of gravity and increases tenderness
  3. It has no effect on stability provided the total weight is unchanged
  4. It lowers the centre of gravity and increases initial stability but reduces reserve buoyancy Correct answer.

Explanation

Lowering weight reduces the height of the centre of gravity, which increases the righting moment at small angles of heel. However, the added weight also displaces water and reduces freeboard, so reserve buoyancy and the ability to shed shipped water are reduced.

Question 32Seamanship and Boat Handling

In a crossing situation where risk of collision exists, a power-driven vessel that has the other on her own starboard side must take which action?

  1. Maintain course and speed as the stand-on vessel
  2. Reduce speed only after the other vessel sounds a warning
  3. Sound one short blast and turn to port
  4. Keep out of the way and, if possible, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel Correct answer.

Explanation

The give-way vessel in a crossing situation must keep out of the way and should normally avoid crossing ahead of the stand-on vessel. An early and substantial alteration, usually to starboard, makes the intention clear.

Question 33Seamanship and Boat Handling

You are steering a small boat with a following sea and the stern begins to swing so the boat lies broadside to the waves. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Reduce speed and keep the stern square to the approaching sea Correct answer.
  2. Increase speed to outrun the waves
  3. Turn hard to port and hold the turn
  4. Stop the engine and drift beam-on

Explanation

A boat that yaws until it lies broadside risks being rolled or broached by the next wave. Reducing speed lets the wave pass under the hull while the helm is used to keep the stern square to the sea.

Question 34Seamanship and Boat Handling

What is the primary function of a bilge pump in a small craft?

  1. To remove accumulated water from the lowest part of the hull Correct answer.
  2. To circulate cooling water through the engine
  3. To supply fresh water to the galley
  4. To pressurise the fuel line

Explanation

A bilge pump clears water that collects in the bilge from spray, rain or minor leaks, helping to preserve freeboard and stability. A manual pump or bucket should back up any electric pump in case of power failure.

Question 35Seamanship and Boat Handling

You are planning to anchor a small craft in a sheltered bay with a sandy bottom in calm weather for a short lunch stop. Which approach gives the best holding?

  1. Anchor by the stern only, with the bow free
  2. Drop the anchor at speed and let it drag into position
  3. Lower the anchor to the seabed, then lay out cable while reversing slowly to set it Correct answer.
  4. Drop the anchor and immediately take a stern line ashore

Explanation

Laying out cable while moving slowly astern allows the anchor to dig in progressively and gives a check that it has set before the boat is left. The amount of cable should be several times the depth, even for a short stop.

Question 36Seamanship and Boat Handling

A vessel displays two black balls in a vertical line in daylight. What does this indicate?

  1. The vessel is constrained by her draught
  2. The vessel is not under command Correct answer.
  3. The vessel is engaged in fishing
  4. The vessel is aground

Explanation

Two black balls in a vertical line are the daytime signal for a vessel not under command, which is unable to manoeuvre as required by the rules. Other vessels must keep well clear of such a vessel.

Question 37Seamanship and Boat Handling

You are running downwind toward a harbour in a small boat and a strong ebb tide is setting out of the entrance against the wind, raising steep short seas. Which action is generally safest?

  1. Head offshore and wait for the tide to turn before entering
  2. Increase speed and drive straight through the steepest section
  3. Reduce speed, keep the boat square to the seas and maintain steerage way Correct answer.
  4. Turn beam-on to the seas to reduce pitching

Explanation

When wind opposes tide at a harbour entrance the seas become steep and close, so speed should be reduced to avoid launching off a crest while enough way is kept for steering. Keeping the boat square to the seas limits rolling and the risk of being thrown off course.

Question 38Seamanship and Boat Handling

What is the correct way to secure a towline to a small craft that is to be taken in tow?

  1. Make it fast to a strong point such as a samson post or bridle, with a means of quick release Correct answer.
  2. Tie it to the stern rail with several half hitches
  3. Pass it around a cleat with a single turn only
  4. Hold it by hand so it can be let go at any time

Explanation

A towline should be made fast to a strong, purpose-built point and arranged so it can be released quickly under load if the tow becomes dangerous. A bridle spreads the load between two strong points and reduces chafe.

Question 39Seamanship and Boat Handling

A boat with a planing hull is loaded so that the bow rides unusually high at speed and the boat porpoises. What is the most likely cause?

  1. The propeller is over-pitched for the load
  2. The trim tabs are fully down
  3. Too much weight aft, causing the bow to lift and the hull to become unstable Correct answer.
  4. Too much weight forward, forcing the bow down

Explanation

Excessive weight aft lifts the bow and shifts the planing surface rearward, which can make the hull porpoise as it repeatedly lifts and drops. Moving weight forward and adjusting the drive trim usually restores a stable attitude.

Question 40Seamanship and Boat Handling

When a small craft is proceeding in fog, which practice best reduces the risk of collision?

  1. Switch off navigation lights to save battery power
  2. Increase speed to clear the fog area quickly
  3. Rely solely on the radar and keep the same speed
  4. Proceed at a safe speed, sound the required fog signals and post a lookout forward Correct answer.

Explanation

In restricted visibility a vessel must proceed at a safe speed, sound the prescribed fog signals and keep a proper lookout by all means available. Reducing speed gives time to stop within the distance visibility allows.

Question 41Collision Regulations (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) and Local Collision Rules

Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, a vessel is proceeding in a narrow channel and wishes to overtake another vessel. Which sound signal does the overtaking vessel sound to indicate her intention to overtake on the other vessel's starboard side?

  1. One short blast
  2. One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts
  3. Two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast Correct answer.
  4. Two short blasts

Explanation

In a narrow channel or fairway, a vessel intending to overtake on the starboard side of the vessel to be overtaken must sound two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast. The vessel to be overtaken, if in agreement, sounds one prolonged blast followed by one short blast. These signals exist only in narrow channels and are distinct from the ordinary manoeuvring signals.

Question 42Collision Regulations (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) and Local Collision Rules

Two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, and neither is a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre. Which vessel must keep out of the way?

  1. The vessel approaching from the direction of the other's stern quarter
  2. The vessel that has the other on her own starboard side Correct answer.
  3. The vessel with the greater speed over the ground
  4. The vessel that has the other on her own port side

Explanation

Rule 15 requires that when two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side must keep out of the way. The give-way vessel should normally avoid crossing ahead of the other and, if circumstances permit, alter course to starboard. The stand-on vessel keeps her course and speed.

Question 43Collision Regulations (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) and Local Collision Rules

A power-driven vessel is underway in fog and hears the fog signal of another vessel forward of her beam. What action does the Regulations require?

  1. Maintain course and speed and listen for a further signal
  2. Reduce speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course and, if necessary, take all way off Correct answer.
  3. Increase speed to clear the area before the other vessel arrives
  4. Reduce speed to bare steerageway and continue on the same heading

Explanation

Rule 19 requires a vessel in or near an area of restricted visibility to proceed at a safe speed, and if she hears a fog signal forward of her beam she must reduce speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course. If necessary she must take all way off and navigate with extreme caution until the risk of collision is over. Maintaining speed or increasing it would not be a safe response.

Question 44Collision Regulations (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) and Local Collision Rules

Which of the following best describes when a vessel is considered to be 'underway' for the purposes of the Collision Regulations?

  1. When she has a watchkeeper on the bridge
  2. When she is not at anchor, not made fast to the shore and not aground Correct answer.
  3. When her engines are engaged and turning
  4. When she is making measurable progress through the water

Explanation

The Regulations define 'underway' as a vessel not at anchor, not made fast to the shore and not aground. A vessel can therefore be underway even when stopped and making no way through the water. A vessel aground or made fast to the shore is not underway.

Question 45Collision Regulations (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) and Local Collision Rules

In Hong Kong waters, a local rule requires a vessel to keep clear of the fairway when not using it. Which authority administers the local collision and navigation rules in Hong Kong port waters?

  1. The Marine Department Correct answer.
  2. The Hong Kong Observatory
  3. The Civil Aviation Department
  4. The Highways Department

Explanation

The Marine Department is the authority responsible for administering navigation and collision rules in Hong Kong waters, including the local rules made under the Shipping and Port Control Ordinance. Its Vessel Traffic Centre monitors and regulates traffic in the main fairways. The other departments have no role in regulating vessel navigation.

Question 46Collision Regulations (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) and Local Collision Rules

A vessel is at anchor in Hong Kong port at night in a location where other vessels navigate. Which lights must she display?

  1. Two all-round red lights in a vertical line
  2. Only the sidelights and sternlight
  3. An all-round white light where it can best be seen and, if she is more than 50 metres in length, an additional all-round white light near the bow, lower than the after one Correct answer.
  4. Only an all-round white light at the stern

Explanation

A vessel at anchor displays an all-round white light where it can best be seen, and a vessel of 50 metres or more in length displays a second all-round white light near the bow and lower than the after one. She may also use working lights to illuminate her decks. Anchor lights are not the same as the navigation lights used when underway.

Question 47Collision Regulations (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) and Local Collision Rules

A power-driven vessel is overtaking another vessel in open water. Which statement correctly states the obligation of the overtaking vessel?

  1. She keeps clear only until she is level with the other vessel
  2. She may cross ahead once her bow has passed the other vessel's bow
  3. She keeps clear until she is finally past and clear of the overtaken vessel Correct answer.
  4. She has no obligation once she has sounded an overtaking signal

Explanation

Rule 13 provides that any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken, and this obligation continues until she is finally past and clear. The overtaking vessel cannot rely on the other vessel to give way or to take avoiding action. Ambiguity about whether overtaking is occurring is resolved by treating the vessel as overtaking.

Question 48Collision Regulations (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) and Local Collision Rules

A vessel is engaged in dredging in a Hong Kong fairway and is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre. She exhibits the shapes and lights for a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre. What does the Regulations require of a vessel navigating near her?

  1. She must sound one prolonged blast before passing
  2. She may pass on either side at full speed
  3. She must take avoiding action and keep clear of the restricted vessel Correct answer.
  4. She must keep her course and speed as a stand-on vessel

Explanation

A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre is a vessel that, from the nature of her work, is unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. Other vessels must take avoiding action and keep clear of her, and must not assume she will give way. Approaching a dredger or similar craft in a fairway requires caution and often a reduction in speed.

Question 49Collision Regulations (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) and Local Collision Rules

Two sailing vessels are approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision, and each has the wind on a different side. Which vessel keeps out of the way?

  1. The vessel with the larger sail area
  2. The vessel with the wind on her port side Correct answer.
  3. The vessel with the wind on her starboard side
  4. The vessel to windward

Explanation

Rule 12 provides that when two sailing vessels are approaching and each has the wind on a different side, the vessel with the wind on her port side keeps out of the way. The windward side is the side opposite to that on which the mainsail is carried. Where both have the wind on the same side, the vessel to windward keeps clear.

Question 50Collision Regulations (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) and Local Collision Rules

A power-driven vessel of 45 metres in length is underway at night and is not engaged in towing or any special operation. Which lights must she exhibit?

  1. Sidelights and a sternlight only
  2. A single masthead light forward, sidelights and a sternlight Correct answer.
  3. A masthead light forward, a second masthead light abaft and higher, sidelights and a sternlight
  4. Two all-round white lights in a vertical line and sidelights

Explanation

A power-driven vessel underway of less than 50 metres in length must exhibit a masthead light forward, sidelights and a sternlight. The second masthead light abaft and higher is required for vessels of 50 metres or more in length, although it may be carried by smaller vessels. The sidelights and sternlight complete the required configuration.