A sailing yacht overtakes a motorboat. Which must keep out of the way in this example? Identify the encounterIllustrative · not to scale · tap to enlarge ↗ The motorboat simply because it is powered The overtaking yacht Neither vessel
Read the answer and explanation Answer: The overtaking yacht
Why this answer works The overtaking obligation applies to the yacht in this example.
Why the other choices fall short The yacht's sails do not cancel its overtaking obligation. In this stated example the encounter type determines which boat must keep out of the way.
Put it into practice Identify the overtaking relationship before applying a general vessel-type rule. Continue assessing the situation until the overtaking vessel is finally past and clear.
Which statement is a poor substitute for learning the rules? Test the sloganIllustrative · not to scale · tap to enlarge ↗ Sail always has priority Identify the encounter Check relevant vessel status
Read the answer and explanation Answer: Sail always has priority
Why this answer works The slogan ignores overtaking and other circumstances that affect responsibilities.
Why the other choices fall short The word always is the problem: overtaking and channel situations are among the reasons a simple sail-versus-power slogan is inadequate. The full circumstances determine the applicable rules.
Put it into practice Take one illustrated encounter and list the facts needed before deciding roles. Study the relevant rule in context rather than memorising a priority ladder alone.
Does a stand-on role permit you to ignore a developing collision? Responsibility continuesIllustrative · not to scale · tap to enlarge ↗ Yes, until contact Yes, if your course was steady No; collision avoidance remains a responsibility
Read the answer and explanation Answer: No; collision avoidance remains a responsibility
Why this answer works Stand-on responsibilities do not give a right to allow a collision.
Why the other choices fall short Stand-on is a defined role within collision-avoidance rules, not permission to disregard another vessel's actions. A worsening encounter still requires active assessment and the applicable response.
Put it into practice Study the full stand-on obligations with an instructor, including how they change as risk develops. Keep monitoring whether the other vessel's action is effective.
A confined channel is involved. Should you ignore channel rules and use a general slogan? A confined waterwayIllustrative · not to scale · tap to enlarge ↗ Yes, if the yacht is smaller No; assess the applicable channel obligations Yes, if the yacht is under sail
Read the answer and explanation Answer: No; assess the applicable channel obligations
Why this answer works The full circumstances, including a narrow channel, matter to the applicable obligations.
Why the other choices fall short A confined channel brings specific circumstances and obligations into the assessment. A general slogan can overlook limits on where another vessel can safely navigate.
Put it into practice Use current chart and local information to understand the channel, then study the relevant rule. Do not infer the correct action from propulsion type alone.
A quiz describes too little information to establish an encounter. What is the better response? What is still unknown?Illustrative · not to scale · tap to enlarge ↗ Choose a manoeuvre from boat colour Assume the faster boat always has priority Identify the missing information before drawing a conclusion
Read the answer and explanation Answer: Identify the missing information before drawing a conclusion
Why this answer works A sound decision needs enough information about the actual encounter.
Why the other choices fall short A confident answer cannot compensate for missing facts. Vessel aspect, movement, visibility and channel context can change the interpretation of a simplified drawing.
Put it into practice Name what the question does not establish and why each missing fact matters. Practise distinguishing observations from assumptions before selecting a rule.
What does this lesson prepare you to do? Study the whole ruleIllustrative · not to scale · tap to enlarge ↗ Ask better questions when studying the full rules with an instructor Replace the full COLREGs Treat every approach as overtaking
Read the answer and explanation Answer: Ask better questions when studying the full rules with an instructor
Why this answer works Recognition is a starting skill; the full rules and practical application still need study.
Why the other choices fall short A short lesson cannot cover every rule, exception and practical judgement. Recognising the limits of a simplified example is part of preparing for more complete study.
Put it into practice Use the lesson to frame questions for your instructor. Compare its examples with the full rules and practise explaining which circumstances make a difference.
You are overtaking another vessel. As you draw alongside, its bearing changes. What happens to your overtaking obligation? During an overtaking manoeuvreIllustrative · not to scale · tap to enlarge ↗ It ends as soon as you draw level It transfers to the other vessel as soon as the bearing changes It ends when your bow first moves ahead It continues until you are finally past and clear
Read the answer and explanation Answer: It continues until you are finally past and clear
Why this answer works An overtaking situation does not become a different encounter simply because the relative bearing changes. Keep out of the way until finally past and clear, while maintaining a lookout throughout.
Why the other choices fall short Drawing level or moving the bow ahead is not the same as being finally past and clear. A bearing change caused by overtaking does not transfer the obligation to the other boat.
Put it into practice Keep observing separation and relative movement throughout the manoeuvre. In a training sketch, show why the two boats can still be in conflict after first drawing alongside.
A screenshot shows two boats and a single bearing to the other vessel. What key evidence is missing for judging how the encounter is developing? One snapshot is not a trendIllustrative · not to scale · tap to enlarge ↗ The price of each boat The name of the destination marina Observations over time, including bearing and range changes The boats’ paint colours
Read the answer and explanation Answer: Observations over time, including bearing and range changes
Why this answer works One snapshot cannot show a trend. Systematic observations help assess relative motion and collision risk; keep using all appropriate means rather than inferring safety from a single image.
Why the other choices fall short Paint, value and destination do not show relative motion. A single bearing lacks the time series needed to understand whether the situation is closing or changing.
Put it into practice Record successive observations in a tabletop exercise. Explain what bearing and range trends suggest, and what further information you would seek before drawing a conclusion.
A crew member says “we are sailing, so every powered vessel must give way”. What is the best correction? Test the blanket ruleIllustrative · not to scale · tap to enlarge ↗ It is true whenever the powered vessel is faster Identify the encounter and applicable rules; vessel propulsion alone is insufficient The statement is true whenever the mainsail is raised It is true whenever the yacht is smaller
Read the answer and explanation Answer: Identify the encounter and applicable rules; vessel propulsion alone is insufficient
Why this answer works For example, a sailing vessel that is overtaking must keep out of the way. Narrow-channel and other circumstances also matter. Identify the complete situation instead of using one blanket slogan.
Why the other choices fall short Size, speed and a raised mainsail do not make the slogan universal. A yacht using engine propulsion also needs its actual status understood, not inferred from sail appearance.
Put it into practice Start with vessel status and the encounter, then consider the surrounding circumstances. Use an overtaking example to explain why sailing alone cannot settle the roles.
You observe another vessel, then spend several minutes looking only at the plotter. Why should you reassess the encounter when you look up? Reassess after an observation gapIllustrative · not to scale · tap to enlarge ↗ A previously safe-looking situation cannot change The other vessel must keep its original speed forever A charted route prevents a collision from developing The relative position and risk may have changed while observation was interrupted
Read the answer and explanation Answer: The relative position and risk may have changed while observation was interrupted
Why this answer works Collision assessment is about a developing situation. A previous observation can become stale as either vessel moves or changes speed, so maintain effective observation and update your assessment using appropriate means.
Why the other choices fall short An earlier impression is not a guarantee about the next few minutes. Neither a planned route nor an assumed constant speed by another vessel removes the need to keep assessing relative motion.
Put it into practice In a tabletop exercise, advance both vessels through a short time interval. Identify which observations you would need to repeat instead of carrying the old conclusion forward unchanged.
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Practice only: this quiz is not an official RYA examination or an assessment of practical competence. Leaving mid-quiz starts that attempt again.
