MASTER-200-M2 · Oral examination preparation · MASTER-200-M2-A The MCA oral: IRPCS, watchkeeping, ship handling, meteorology and emergencies at command level for <200 GT.
The oral expects the collision regulations near-perfect, because command is where they are applied under pressure. This lesson covers the conduct and steering-and-sailing rules and their application in restricted visibility.
Beyond the give-way rules, the Master applies Rule 18 (responsibilities between vessels — power gives way to sailing, to vessels not under command, to those restricted in their ability to manoeuvre, and to those constrained by their draught), and Rule 19 in restricted visibility, where there is no stand-on vessel and a vessel avoids, so far as possible, altering to port for a vessel forward of the beam. Whatever the situation, action is early, substantial and obvious, and is checked to confirm it is working.
WARNING — Early, large, to starboard — then check
In a crossing or head-on situation the examiner wants an alteration to starboard that is early and large enough to be unmistakable, followed by a check that the other vessel is drawing clear. A small or late alteration is a fail.
NOTE — Restricted visibility changes the rules
Under Rule 19 there is no stand-on vessel; both proceed at a safe speed and neither has right of way. A small vessel keeps well clear of shipping that may not have detected her on radar.
Practice questions
5 questions
recall · core
In restricted visibility under Rule 19, there is:
(a) A normal stand-on and give-way vessel
(b) No stand-on vessel; both proceed with caution
(c) No lookout needed
(d) No speed limit
recall · core
Action to avoid collision should be:
(a) Small and late
(b) Early, substantial, obvious, and checked
(c) A slight turn to port
(d) Left to the other vessel
recall · core
Under Rule 18, a power-driven vessel gives way to a vessel constrained by her draught in a:
(a) Open ocean anywhere
(b) Narrow channel
(c) Marina
(d) Lock only
recall · core
In a crossing situation, the Master of the give-way vessel should:
(a) Cross ahead quickly
(b) Alter to starboard and avoid crossing ahead
(c) Alter to port
(d) Hold course
recall · core
Whatever avoiding action is taken, the Master must then:
(a) Assume it worked
(b) Check that the other vessel is drawing clear
(c) Turn off the radar
(d) Increase speed