Rules of the Road

Rule 1: Applicability

These rules shall apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels

• LINE OF DEMARCATION: dividing line between international and inland waters

Rule 2: Responsibility

Rules must be obeyed, but not blindly obeyed at the expense of good seamanship

• GENERAL PRUDENTIAL RULE: Mariners are responsible not only for complying with the rules, but also for avoiding collisions

  • Special and in-extremis situations

Rule 3

General definitions

Vessel (definition)

Every description of watercraft that are used or capable of being used as means of transportation. Human/animal powered vessel are not covered under the rules, but still don’t hit them

Vessel (types)

• Power Driven

• Sailing

Power-driven vessel

Any vessel propelled by machinery

Sailing vessel

Any vessel under sail (not using engines for propulsion)

Underway (2 conditions)

• Making way

• Not making way

Special conditions

• Vessel engaged in fishing

• Not under command

• Restricted in ability to manuver

• Constrained by draft

Not under command

Through some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver as required

Restricted in ability to manuver

A vessel in which, from the nature of her work, is RAM

Constrained by draft

Vessel that is severely restricted in her ability to deviate from her course due to the depth and width of available water relative to her deep draft

Seaplane

A seaplane includes any aircraft designed to maneuver on the water

Vessel engaged in fishing

Any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing apparatus which restricts maneuverability

• Does NOT include a vessel engaged in trolling

Wing in Ground

Multimodal craft which, in its main operational mode, flies in close proximity to the surface by utilizing surface-effect action

Rule 4: Application

Rules in this section apply in any condition of visibility

Rule 5: Look Out

• Maintain a proper lookout

• Use all available means

• Required at anchor

Rule 6: Safe Speed

Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions

• I watch MTV (maneuverability, traffic, visibility) in my SDBs (sea state, draft, background lighting)

Rule 7: Risk of Collision

• Every vessel shall use all available means to determine is a risk of collision exists

• CBDR

Rule 8: Action to Avoid Collision

• Any action taken to avoid collision shall be positive, made in ample time, and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship

• Action taken should be large enough to be readily apparent to the other vessel

• Action taken to avoid collision with another vessel shall result in passing at a safe distance

• The effectiveness of the action shall be carefully checked until the vessel is passed and clear

  • You can alter course and speed to avoid collision

  • Stand on vessels also need to take action

Rule 9: Narrow Channels

• Stay on the “right” side of the channel

• Sailing / <20 m vessels shall not impede

• Fishing vessels shall not impede

• Crossing vessels shall not impede

• Do not anchor in a channel

Rule 10: Traffic Separation Schemes

• Small angle of approach to enter or exit the TSS

• Cross the TSS at right angles

• Do not use the inshore zone

• Fishing is allowed as long as it doesn’t impede the passage of other vessels

• Small/sailing vessels shall not impede power sailing vessels operating in a TSS

Rule 11: Application

These rules apply to vessels in sight of one another

Rule 12: Sailing Vessles

• When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows:

  • Wind on different sides: vessel with port side wind keeps out of way of other

  • If wind on same side, windward vessel keeps out of leeward vessel’s way

  • If you’re not sure, just keep out of way

Rule 13: Overtaking

Requires overtaking vessel to keep out of the way from the way of the vessel being passed

• Vessel approaches another vessel more than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam

Rule 14: Head On Situation

Both vessels maneuver to starboard

Rule 15: Crossing Situation

Requires a power driven vessel that has another power driven vessel on its starboard side to keep clear

Rule 16/17: Action by Give-way and Stand-on Vessels (definition)

• GIVE WAY: every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear

• STAND ON: where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way, the other shall keep her course and speed

  • The stand on vessel is on the starboard side of the other boat

  • The give way vessel is on the port side

  • For example, if you see a red light (port) on your starboard, you are the GIVE WAY

Rule 16/17: Action by Give-way and Stand-on Vessels (action)

• The stand in vessel should take action to avoid collision if it is obvious that the give-way vessel is not maneuvering, or if collision is so close that action by the give way vessel alone will not avoid collision

• Normally you should not alter your course to port for a vessel on your port side

  • SHALL, MAY, SHALL

Rule 18: Responsibilities Between Vessels in Sight of One Another

Remember: News Reels Catch Fish, So Purchase Some Weekly

• Not Under Command

• Restricted in Ability to Manuver

• Constrained by Draft

• Fishing Vessels

• Sailing Vessels

• Power Driven Vessels

• Seaplanes

• WIG

Rule 19: Vessels in Restricted Visibility

• Applicable to vessels not in sight of one another when operating in or near an area of restricted visibility

• Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed consistent with visibility conditions

• A power driven vessel shall have her engines ready for immediate maneuvering

Rule 19: Vessels in Restricted Visibility (RADAR ONLY)

• ID if collision risk exists

• Take avoiding action early

• The following action should be AVOIDED:

  • turn to port for a vessel forward of the beam

  • Al alteration of course toward a vessel abeam or abaft of beam

Rule 19: Vessels in Restricted Visibility (HEARING SOUND SIGNAL)

• If a vessel hears a fog signal of another vessel forward of her beam, or cannot avoid a close quarters situation forward of the beam:

  • Reduce speed to bare steerageway

  • If necessary take all way off

  • Navigate with extreme caution until the risk of collision has passed

Rule 20: Application of Light and Day Shapes (DISPLAYED)

• Lights shall be displayed:

  • From sunset to sunrise

  • In conditions of restricted visibility

  • In all other circumstances when deemed appropriate

Rule 20: Application of Light and Day Shapes (PURPOSE)

• Purpose of Light and Day Shapes

  • Determine stand on and give way status

  • Indicate the occupation of a certain vessel

  • Determine the target angle and course of a vessel

Rule 21

Light Definitions

Masthead

White

Port Sidelight

Red

Starboard Sidelight

Green

Sternlight

White

Towing

Yellow

Rule 21: Lights (FLASHING)

• Flashing: a light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 120 flashes or more per minute

• Special Flashing: a yellow light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 50-70 flashes per minute, placed forward and with an arc of 180-225 degrees

Rule 22

Visibility of lights

Masthead Light

Unbroken arc over horizon of 225, fixed to show light from ahead to 22.t degrees from abaft the beam on either side of vessel

Sidelight

Unbroken arc over 112.5 degrees, show light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side

Sternlight

Unbroken light over arc of 135 degrees and so fixed as to show the light 67.5 degrees from right aft on each side of vessel

• Should be visible from 22.50 abaft the beam on the port and starboard side

  • Towing light also applies to these rules

Rule 23: Power Driven Vessels

• A power driven vessel underway shall exhibit

  • A masthead light forward

  • A second masthead light abaft oh and higher than the forward one

  • Sidelights

  • A Sternlight

Rule 24

Towing and Pushing

Tow < 200 m

2 masthead lights in a vertical line

Tow > 200 m

Three masthead lights in a vertical line

Pushing ahead or alongside

Two masthead lights in vertical line

• INLAND: two towing lights, vice a towing light, and a sternlight

Dayshape

Diamond shape

Rule 25: Sailing Vessels (LIGHTS)

• Side and Stern Light

• All around red or green

• All around white

Rule 25: Sailing Vessel (DAYSHAPE)

Downwards conical shape

Rule 26: Fishing (TRAWLING)

• Lights: all around green over white

• Dayshape: 2 cones in vertical alignment with the apexes together

Rule 26: Fishing (FISHING)

• Lights: red over white

• Dayshape: two kissin’ fish!

Rule 27: Vessels not Under Command

• Lights: all around red over all around red

• Dayshape: two balls in a vertical line

Rule 27: Vessels Restricted in Ability to Manuver

• Lights: all round red, over white, over red

• Dayshape: ball over diamond over ball

  • Diving: code flag A

• Mine clearance

  • Lights: all around green x3

  • Dayshape: 3 balls in the shape of a T

Rule 28: Vessels Constrained by Draft

• Lights: 3 all around red

• Dayshape: cylinder

  • Draft = drink = cylinder (like a can)

Rule 30: Vessels Anchored and Vessels Aground (ANCHORED)

• A vessel at anchor shall exhibit:

  • An all around white light or ball in the fore part of the vessel

  • An all around white light at or near the stern, lower than the light at the fore part

  • A vessel of < 50 m may exhibit an all around white light

  • A vessel > 100 m shall use all available light to illuminate her deck

Rule 30: Vessels Anchored and Vessels Aground (AGROUND)

• A vessel aground shall exhibit:

  • Two all-rounded red lights in a vertical line

  • Three balls in a vertical line

  • An all around white light or ball in the fore part of the vessel

  • An all around white light at or near the stern, lower than the light in the fore part A vessel

  • A vessel of < 50 m may exhibit an all around white light

Rule 31: Signals of Action vs Signals of Intent (INTERNATIONAL)

• Sound signals are signals of action

• Sounded upon the rudder order

• Exchanged by a power driven vessel and another vessel

• Sound signals are exchanged if vessels are “in sight” and maneuvering is required

Rule 31: Signals of Action vs Signals of Intent (INLAND)

• Sound signals are signals of intent

• Sounded upon the rudder order

• Sound signals are exchanged between power driven vessels only

• Sound signals are to be exchanged if the vessels are in sight

Rule 32/33: Definitions and Equipment

• Whistle: any sound signaling appliance capable for producing the prescribed blasts

  • Prolonged blast (-): 4-6 seconds

  • Short blast (°): 1 second

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals (MEETING- INTERNATIONAL)

International

• One short blast = starboard

• Two short blasts = port

• Three short blasts = astern propulsion

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals (MEETING- INLAND)

Inland

• One short blast = intend to leave on port

• Two short blasts = intend to leave on starboard

• Three short blasts: operating astern propulsion

  • Acknowledgement: mimick

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals (OVERTAKING- INTERNATIONAL)

International: in sight of one another in a narrow channel

• Two long, one short: intend to overtake on starboard side

• Two long, two short: intend to overtake on port side

  • Acknowledgement: one long, one short, one long, one short

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals (OVERTAKING- INLAND)

Inland

• One short: intend to overtake on starboard side

• Two short: intend to overtake on port

  • Acknowledgement: vessel being overtaken sounds same signal, if not 5 or more short blasts

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals (DANGER)

• 5 or more short blasts

  • One long blast: used when in a channel where views of other vessels may be obstructed

  • One long blast: used when approaching a bend

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals (LEAVING A DOCK OR BERTH)

Inland only

• One long: power driven vessel leaving a dock or berth

Rule 35: Sound and Light Signals in Restricted Visibility

Shall be sounded in intervals not more than two minutes

• One long: power driven vessel making way

• Two long, not more than two sec apart: power driven vessel underway but not making way

• One long, two short: RAM, not under command, constrained by draft, towing/pushing, or fishing RAM

• One long, three short: last vessel in a tow

Rule 35: Sound and Light Signals in Restricted Visibility (BELLS)

• 5 sec rapid ringing/min: vessel anchored

• 5 sec rapid ringing forward, 5 sec aft/min: anchored vessel > 100m

• One short, one long, one short: vessel at anchor, warning other vessels

• 3 strokes of bell, 5 sec bell, 3 strokes of bell, 5 sec gong: vessel aground

Rule 36: Attract Attention

Do something light/sound-wise not found in the rule book