USCG Exam PracticeRule 7 — Risk of Collision
A vessel's radar is fitted and operational but the officer of the watch uses only short-range scale sweeps and takes no systematic observations of detected contacts. Under both the International and Inland Rules, this practice ______.
- A. satisfies the rules provided the officer maintains a visual watch simultaneously
- B. satisfies the rules because radar use is discretionary when visibility is good
- ✓ violates the requirement to make proper use of radar, including long-range scanning and systematic observationCorrect
- D. violates the rules only if the vessel is in a traffic separation scheme
Why C is correct
COLREGs Rule 7(b) and 33 CFR §83.07(b) require proper use of fitted and operational radar, expressly including long-range scanning for early warning and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation. Restricting sweeps to short range and omitting systematic observation fails both requirements regardless of visibility or area.