1.

A Ship steering 127۫ (T) , speed 13 Knots, had the following radar observations
recorded:-
TIME Target A Target B (Light Vessel)
1000 092۫ (T) x 11.1 M 150۫ (T) x 5.5 M
093۫ (T) x 9.4 M
094۫ (T) x 7.7 M
095 1/2۫ (T) x 6.1 M 180۫ (T) x 3.5 M

Compile a report about the other vessel (Target A) and deduce the Set & Rate of
the tidal current

(ii) The observing vessel alters course with a performance delay of 5 minutes in
order to pass the light vessel at 1.5 Miles to starboard.
The visibility, meanwhile has improved to 3 Miles.

From the plot deduce the following:

a) The alteration of course made by the observing vessel
b) The closest distance of approach between the two vessels and the time of the
closest point of approach.
c) The time the observing vessel will pass the light vessel
d) The time the other vessel (Target A) will pass the light vessel and her passing
distance.
(It was observed that the other vessel (Target A) maintained her course
and speed).

Ans: (i) At 1015 bearing of Target A: 095 1/2۫, passing ahead at a distance of 6.1
miles. Distance is reducing. CPA = 0.8 Miles, TCPA=1033 Hrs, Target’s Course :
227۫ (T), Target’s Speed 13 Knots; Aspect : 48 1/2۫ (Green)

Set: 013۫ (T); Rate of Current: 2.8 Knots

(ii) (a) Own ship altered course to 169۫ (T)

(b) CPA between two vessels: 1.1 Miles at 1042 Hours

(c ) The observing vessel will pass the light vessel at 1034 Hours

(d) The other vessel (Target A) will pass the light vessel at a distance of 0.9
Miles at 1054 Hrs.
Q.2. On an observing ship, steaming 330۫ (T) at 10 knots, the bearing and range
of an
Q.3. Own Course 240 ۫ (T) at 15 Knots in reduced visibility.

Target A Target B
Time Bearing (T) Range (M) Bearing (T) Range (M)
1000 314 11.9 208 1/2۫ 10.0
1004 314 10.7 209۫ 08.4
1008 314 09.5 210۫ 06.8
1012 314 08.3 211۫۫ 05.1

For each target, find:

(a) Range and Time at CPA

(b) Course and Speed
(c) Aspect at 1012

Master of own ship desires to take action at 1016, by means of a single alteration
of course or reduction of speed so that the CPA of either target will be not less
than 2.0 NM

(d) Evaluate the possible alternative actions.

(e) State which action is most preferable under this given scenario.

Solutions:

(a) For Target A: CPA Range : NIL (Collision)

TCPA : Collision at 1040 Hrs
Course : 180۫ (T)
Speed : 20 Knots
Aspect : 46۫ (RED)

For Target B: CPA Range :0.4 Miles

TCPA : 1024 Hrs
Course : 351۫ (T)
Speed : 15 Knots
Aspect : 40۫ (GREEN)
Evaluation as per ROR

Since reduced visibility vessels are not in sight of one another. Hence any of the three
ships are free to take action to avoid a close quarter situation.

However, each ship has the other two ships forward of her beam, , hence none of the
three ships are permitted to alter course to port.

If either of the two targets is not using radar, she would be unaware of the presence of
the other target or of the own ship.

In view of these points, Own ship has only two options-

(i) Alter Course to Starboard

(ii) Reduction of Speed

CPA of either target indicates collision or near collision. However Target B will be at
CPA 16 minutes before Target A. Hence the action required to have CPA of 2.0
Miles or more will be greater for Target B than for Target A (Remember Action to
be taken for the target whose TCPA will come first)

By plotting the possible alternatives are as follows:

(i) Alteration of course to Starboard by 77۫ (New Course 317۫) CPA of target B
can be made to be 2 Miles. By this action the CPA of Target A will be 3.25
Miles.
(ii) By reduction of Speed to 2 Knots CPA of target B can be made to be 2 Miles.
By this action the CPA of Target A will be 4.6 Miles.
(iii) Alteration of course to Port by 54۫ (New Course 186۫) CPA of target B can
be made to be 2 Miles. However an alteration of course to Port is
prohibited by ROR in this condition and hence this action is not
possible.

(f) According to the permissible alternatives, Reduction of Speed is most

suitable action. It is normally more prudent to reduce speed in reduced
visibility than altering of course to starboard by a wide angle of 77۫ . Such
drastic action not only takes longer to execute but may also result in close
quarter situation with ship that would have otherwise passed clear.