Rule Of The Road To Rya Day Skipper Standard

1.

Super Tankers

Warships

Fishing Vessels

Speedboats

Sailing Yachts

Commercial Vessels

Leisure Vessels

All of the above

Whilst the Rule of the Road incorporates a hierarchy of vessels, which for example means that a Power Driven Vessel and a Sailing Vessel must keep out of the way of a Fishing Vessel, the the rules apply to everyone, irrespective of their size, whether they are "commercial", "leisure" or "military".

Explanation

Whilst the Rule of the Road incorporates a hierarchy of vessels, which for example means that a Power Driven Vessel and a Sailing Vessel must keep out of the way of a Fishing Vessel, the the rules apply to everyone, irrespective of their size, whether they are "commercial", "leisure" or "military".

2. It's obviously fundamental that all vessels keep a good lookout by sight, sound and and all other means appropriate to the circumstances and conditions in order to determine if a risk of collision exists. Which of the following actions or procedures are important to ensure that we keep a good lookout?

Assigning crew members to maintain a lookout in all directions

Remembering to regularly look astern for overtaking vessels

Being aware of blind spots caused by sails, spray-hoods, dodgers etc.

Being especially vigilant when raising and lowering sails, attaching fenders and warps, entering and leaving harbours and marinas.

Listening out for sound signals

Using RADAR (if available) in poor visibility

More collisions are attributable to failing to keep a good lookout than any other reason. Whilst it is the skipper's responsibility to ensure that a good lookout is kept at all times they have many other things to think about so they must ensure that other crew members are delegated to the task and that they are aware of the crucial importance of their role and maintain a diligent lookout.

Explanation

More collisions are attributable to failing to keep a good lookout than any other reason. Whilst it is the skipper's responsibility to ensure that a good lookout is kept at all times they have many other things to think about so they must ensure that other crew members are delegated to the task and that they are aware of the crucial importance of their role and maintain a diligent lookout.

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3. You can determine whether you are at risk of collision by taking the bearing of the other vessel with a hand-bearing compass or by sighting across part of your boat, such as a stanchion. If the bearing to the other vessel remains constant then you are at risk. However this method only works if both vessels maintain a steady course and speed. If either or both vessels alter course and / or speed then it can be very difficult to accurately assess the situation. A risk of collision exists if the other vessel in on a ________ bearing.

If the bearing to the other vessel remains constant, it means that the other vessel is not changing its direction relative to your boat. This indicates that both vessels are on a collision course and there is a risk of collision. Similarly, if the bearing remains steady, it implies that the other vessel is maintaining a consistent direction, further confirming the risk of collision. However, it is important to note that this method is only effective if both vessels maintain a steady course and speed, as any alterations can make it difficult to accurately assess the situation.

Explanation

If the bearing to the other vessel remains constant, it means that the other vessel is not changing its direction relative to your boat. This indicates that both vessels are on a collision course and there is a risk of collision. Similarly, if the bearing remains steady, it implies that the other vessel is maintaining a consistent direction, further confirming the risk of collision. However, it is important to note that this method is only effective if both vessels maintain a steady course and speed, as any alterations can make it difficult to accurately assess the situation.

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4. In most circumstances the rules specify that, where a risk of collision exists, one vessel is the give-way vessel and the other is the stand-on vessel. The stand-on vessel should maintain her course and speed in order to allow the give way vessel to correctly assess the situation and to keep out of the way. This does not mean that any vessel has "right of way". Indeed the stand-on vessel may take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes clear that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action and must take avoiding action when it comes clear that a collision cannot be avoided by the actions of the give-way vessel alone. Here anticipation and good seamanship come into play. The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to avoid the collision. Small alterations of course and / or speed will not necessarily be apparent to the stand-on vessel. Similalry, if the stand-on vessel judges it prudent to take avoiding action, it's manoeuvre must be substantial and should generally be to turn away from the give-way vessel. Does the Rule of the Road give one vessel right of way over another?

Yes

No

The words right of way do not appear in the rules. If a collision cannot be avoided by the manoeuvre of give-way vessel alone, the stand-on vessel must take action to avoid collision or to minimise damage and / or injury.

Explanation

The words right of way do not appear in the rules. If a collision cannot be avoided by the manoeuvre of give-way vessel alone, the stand-on vessel must take action to avoid collision or to minimise damage and / or injury.

5. The rules specify an order of hierarchy between vessels.

A Power Driven Vessel (which is any vessel propelled by machinery) must keep out of the way of a Sailing Vessel, a Fishing Vessel, a Vessel Constrained by Draught, a Vessel Restricted in its Ability to Manoeuvre and a Vessel Not Under Command.

A Sailing Vessel must keep out of the way of a Fishing Vessel, a Vessel Constrained by Draught, a Vessel Restricted in its Ability to Manoeuvre and a Vessel Not Under Command.

A Fishing Vessel (which is a vessel fishing with nets, lines or trawls which restrict its manoeuvrablity) must keep out of the way of a Vessel Constrained by Draught, a Vessel Restricted in its Ability to Manoeuvre and a Vessel Not Under Command.

A Vessel Constrained by Draught (which is a Power Driven Vessel which because of her draught in relation to the depth and width of water is restricted in her ability to deviate from her course) must keep out of the way of a Vessel Restricted in its Ability to Manoeuvre and a Vessel Not Under Command.

A Vessel Restricted in her Ability to Manoeuvre (which might mean a vessel engaged in laying or servicing a navigation mark, pipeline or cable, or a vessel engaged in dredging, surveying or underwater operations, or a vessel engaged in replenishment or transferring persons at sea) must keep out of the way of a Vessel Not Under Command.

A Vessel not Under Command means a vessel which due to exceptional circumstances, such as steering or engine failure, is unable to manoeuvre to keep out of the way of other vessels.

Place vessels selected from the lists on the right hand side in their correct order in the hierarchy with 1 being the lowest and 6 being the highest.

1

2

3

4

5

6

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6. All vessels must at all times maintain a safe speed for the prevailing circumstances and conditions. Which of the following factors should be taken into account when determining a safe speed?

Visibility

Traffic Density

Your vessel's maneuverability and stopping distance

The state of wind, tide, current and proximity of navigational hazards

Your vessels draft in relation to the depth of water

At night, shore lights in the background that can make it difficult to see other vessel's navigation lights

Your schedule

The prevailing speed-limit

When determining a safe speed, several factors should be taken into account. These factors include visibility, as poor visibility can make it difficult to see other vessels or navigational hazards. Traffic density is also important, as a higher density may require a slower speed to avoid collisions. The maneuverability and stopping distance of your vessel should be considered, as well as the state of wind, tide, current, and the proximity of navigational hazards. Additionally, your vessel's draft in relation to the depth of water should be taken into account, as well as the presence of shore lights at night that can obstruct the view of other vessel's navigation lights.

Explanation

When determining a safe speed, several factors should be taken into account. These factors include visibility, as poor visibility can make it difficult to see other vessels or navigational hazards. Traffic density is also important, as a higher density may require a slower speed to avoid collisions. The maneuverability and stopping distance of your vessel should be considered, as well as the state of wind, tide, current, and the proximity of navigational hazards. Additionally, your vessel's draft in relation to the depth of water should be taken into account, as well as the presence of shore lights at night that can obstruct the view of other vessel's navigation lights.

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