Observe and identify
Developing level, about 2 min. International COLREGs / IRPCS.
The situation
A vessel in sight comes up astern in a narrow fairway. You must make room before she can safely pass. Listen to the proposal.
What can you conclude from the signal in these circumstances?
- She intends to pass on your port side
- She intends to pass on your starboard side
- She announces a port alteration in open water
Answers and explanations
Lookout: Use the situation as well as the sound. Listen to the full sequence before deciding.
The sound answer
She intends to pass on your port side
Request passage on the overtaken vessel’s port side. In sight in a narrow channel or fairway, when the vessel ahead must take action to permit safe passing. Agreement does not transfer the overtaker’s duty to keep clear.
Why the other options fall short
She intends to pass on your starboard side
Request passage on the overtaken vessel’s port side. In sight in a narrow channel or fairway, when the vessel ahead must take action to permit safe passing. Agreement does not transfer the overtaker’s duty to keep clear.
She announces a port alteration in open water
Request passage on the overtaken vessel’s port side. In sight in a narrow channel or fairway, when the vessel ahead must take action to permit safe passing. Agreement does not transfer the overtaker’s duty to keep clear.
Rules 9(e)(i), 34(c)(i) · Overtaking on her port side
Request passage on the overtaken vessel’s port side. In sight in a narrow channel or fairway, when the vessel ahead must take action to permit safe passing. Agreement does not transfer the overtaker’s duty to keep clear.