Rules of the Road pt. 1

Rule 1

Application

Rule 1 definition

Rule 1 outlines where and to whom the COLREGs apply (International vs Inland)

Where do international rules apply?

On the high seas and all waters connected and navigable by seagoing vessels.

Where do inland rules apply?

On all Inland waters of the U.S., including rivers, harbors, and the U.S. side of the Great Lakes.

Line of Demarcation

Dividing line between international and inland waters

Are vessels required to carry a copy of the Rules on board?

Yes — in U.S. waters, self-propelled vessels ≥12 meters must carry a current copy of the Navigation Rules

Rule 2

Responsibility

Rule 2 definition

You are always responsible for avoiding collisions — even if you’re following all the rules. If necessary, you must break the rules to avoid danger.

General Prudential Rule

Mariners are responsible for both complying with rules and avoiding any collisions (if a collision happens, and you could have taken action to avoid it, you're still responsible.)

Rule 3

General definitions

Vessel

Every description of water craft, including non-displacement craft, WIG craft and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

Power Driven Vessel

Any vessel propelled by machinery

Sailing Vessel

Any vessel under sail, not using propelling machinery

Vessel engaged in fishing

Any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing apparatus that RESTRICT manuverability

Seaplane

Any aircraft designed to maneuver on the water

Vessel Not Under Command (NUC)

A vessel, through some exceptional circumstance, is unable to maneuver and therefore can’t keep out of the way of another vessel.

Vessel Restricted in her Ability to Maneuver (RAM)

A vessel, which due to the nature of her work, cannot keep out of the way or another vessel.

Examples of RAM vessels

• Laying cable

• Dredging

• Replenishment at sea

• Launching/recovering aircraft

• Mine operations

• Towing

Vessel Constrained by Draft (CBD)

A PDV which because of her draft in relation to the available depth and width of the navigable water can’t deviate from the course

Underway

A vessel not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground

Length and breadth

Her length overall and greatest breadth

Vessels in sight

When vessels can be visually observed from the other

Restricted Visibility

Any condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist, snow, storms, sand, etc.

Wing-In-Ground (WIG) Craft

A vessel that flies close to the water using surface-effect

Western Rivers

The Mississippi River, its tributaries to the national demarcation lines dividing the high seas from inland waters

Great Lakes

Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters

Rule 4

Application

Rule 4 Definition

Rules in this section apply to any condition of visibility

Rule 5

Look-out

Rule 5 Definition

Every vessel shall ALWAYS maintain a proper look-out by sight, hearing, and ALL AVAILABLE MEANS

Rule 6

Safe Speed

Rule 6 Definition

Every Vessel shall always proceed at a safe speed to avoid collision

How to determine safe speed?

M- Maneuverability

T- Traffic Density

V- Visibility

S- State of the sea, wind, current

D- Draft

B- Background lighting (from shore, etc.)

ALSO: Vessels with radar should use it and consider vessels detected/not detected by radar, the effect of weather on the screen, etc.

Rule 7

Risk of Collision

Rule 7 Definition

Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the circumstances to determine if risk of collision exists.
If there is any doubt, such risk shall be deemed to exist (make no assumptions)

When does a risk of collision exist?

CBDR

Constant bearing decreasing range

Rule 8

Action to avoid collision

Rule 8 Definition

Any action to avoid collision shall be readily apparent, large, and made in ample time (shall pass at a safe distance).

Rule 9

Narrow Channels

What is the basic navigation rule in a narrow channel?

Keep as near as safe to the starboard (right-hand) side of the channel.

Which vessels must not impede those confined to a narrow channel?

20- <20 m

Sailors- Sailing vessels

From- Fishing vessels

Chicago- Crossing vessels

Can a vessel anchor in a narrow channel?

Only if absolutely necessary. Anchoring is discouraged because it can obstruct safe passage.

Rule 10

Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS)

How should a vessel enter or exit a traffic lane in a TSS?

By using a small angle of approach (not sharply cutting across the lane).

At what angle should a vessel cross a traffic lane in a TSS?

As close to a right angle (90°) as possible.

Can a vessel use the inshore traffic zone?

Generally no — except for small vessels, sailing vessels, fishing vessels, or to avoid immediate danger.

What vessels shall not impeded in a TSS?

20 Sailors From Chicago

Rule 11

Application

What does rule 11 specify?

That rules 12-18 only apply when vessels are in sight of one another (not radar or sound).

Does a downbound or upbound vessel have the right of way in inland waters (lakes, rivers, etc.)?

Downbound

Rule 12

Sailing Vessels

Between two sailing vessels, which one must give way?

The vessel with the wind on their port side

If two sailing vessels have wind on the same side, which one must give way?

The vessel windward gives way to the vessel leeward.

Rule 13

Overtaking

What defines an overtaking situation?

When a vessel approaches >22.5° abaft its beam

Who must keep out of the way in an overtaking situation?

The overtaking vessel

What must the vessel being overtaken do?

Maintain course and speed

Rule 14

Head-on situation

What is considered to be a head-on situation?

When two vessels are on reciprocal courses

What should vessels do in a head-on situation?

Shall maneuver to Starboard and pass port to port

How would a vessel know they are in a head-on situation at night?

They would be able to see the mastheadlights and sidelights (christmas tree)

Rule 15

Crossing Situation

In a crossing situation, which vessel is the give way vessel?

The vessel that sees the other vessel on her starboard side

Rule 16

Action by give-way vessel

What is the action by the give-way vessel?

Keep out of the way of the other vessel and take action to keep clear

Rule 17

Action by stand-on vessel

What is the action by the stand-on vessel?

SHALL: maintain course and speed

MAY: take action if other vessel doesnt

SHALL: take action to avoid collision
SHALL: NOT turn to port for vessel on right

Rule 18

Responsibilities between vessels

What is the hierarchy of responsibility between vessels?

“New Reels Catch Fish So Purchase Some Weekly”

N: NUC

R: RAM

C: CBD

F: Fishing

S: Sailing

P: PDV

S: Seaplane

W: WIG