Which statement about a vessel equipped with operational radar is true?

Which statement about a vessel equipped with operational radar is true?

• A. Radar use is optional for early warning of collision.
• B. Radar must be used to obtain early warning of risk of collision.
• C. Radar may be used only at night.
• D. Radar has no role in collision avoidance.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that you must use all available means to determine whether there is a risk of collision, and if your vessel has operating radar, it should be used as part of that assessment. Radar provides early warning by showing other vessels beyond what you can see with your eyes, giving you range, bearing, and closure information. This helps you detect potential threats sooner and decide on appropriate action before the situation escalates. Therefore, using radar to obtain early warning aligns with the requirement to use every appropriate means for risk assessment. The other statements aren’t correct because radar isn’t optional when available, it isn’t limited to nighttime, and it certainly plays a vital role in collision avoidance by enhancing detection and situational awareness.

The key idea is that you must use all available means to determine whether there is a risk of collision, and if your vessel has operating radar, it should be used as part of that assessment. Radar provides early warning by showing other vessels beyond what you can see with your eyes, giving you range, bearing, and closure information. This helps you detect potential threats sooner and decide on appropriate action before the situation escalates. Therefore, using radar to obtain early warning aligns with the requirement to use every appropriate means for risk assessment.

The other statements aren’t correct because radar isn’t optional when available, it isn’t limited to nighttime, and it certainly plays a vital role in collision avoidance by enhancing detection and situational awareness.