Navigation Rules Of the RoadWay 1-38 SIMBBC

Rule 1

Application: These Rules apply to all vessels upon the high seas and waters connected to them navigable by seagoing vessels.

Rule 2

Responsibility: Nothing relieves any vessel or crew from the duty to avoid danger through proper seamanship.

Rule 3

General Definitions: Defines key terms such as vessel, power-driven, sailing, underway, restricted in ability to maneuver, etc.

Rule 4

Application of Steering and Sailing Rules: Rules 5–10 apply in all conditions of visibility.

Rule 5

Look-out: Every vessel must maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing at all times.

Rule 6

Safe Speed: Proceed at a safe speed to take proper and effective action to avoid collision.

Rule 7

Risk of Collision: Use all available means to determine if risk of collision exists; if in doubt, it exists.

Rule 8

Action to Avoid Collision: Actions must be positive, timely, and large enough to be obvious to other vessels.

Rule 9

Narrow Channels: Stay near the starboard side; small craft must not impede larger vessels restricted to the channel.

Rule 10

Traffic Separation Schemes: Follow the lane in the general direction of traffic flow; cross at right angles if necessary.

Rule 11

Application: Rules 12–18 apply when vessels are in sight of one another.

Rule 12

Sailing Vessels: When two sailing vessels meet, the one with the wind on the port side gives way.

Rule 13

Overtaking: Any vessel overtaking another must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken.

Rule 14

Head-on Situation: Both vessels alter course to starboard so they pass port-to-port.

Rule 15

Crossing Situation: When two power-driven vessels cross, the vessel with the other on its starboard side gives way.

Rule 16

Action by Give-Way Vessel: Take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

Rule 17

Action by Stand-On Vessel: Keep course and speed, but take action if collision cannot be avoided.

Rule 18

Responsibilities Between Vessels: Defines which vessels must keep clear: power, sailing, fishing, constrained by draft, etc.

Rule 19

Conduct in Restricted Visibility: Proceed at safe speed, have engines ready for immediate maneuver.

Rule 20

Application (Lights & Shapes): Rules 20–31 apply in all weather; display required lights and shapes.

Rule 21

Definitions (Lights & Shapes): Defines masthead light, sidelights, sternlight, towing light, etc.

Rule 22

Visibility of Lights: Specifies minimum range of lights based on vessel size.

Rule 23

Power-Driven Vessels Underway: Must show a masthead light, sidelights, and sternlight.

Rule 24

Towing and Pushing: Specifies lights and shapes for towing and pushing operations.

Rule 25

Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars: States required lights or shapes when under sail or oars.

Rule 26

Fishing Vessels: Defines lights and shapes for vessels engaged in fishing or trawling.

Rule 27

Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Ability to Maneuver: Shows special lights and shapes.

Rule 28

Constrained by Draft: Displays three red lights in a vertical line or a cylinder shape.

Rule 29

Pilot Vessels: Displays white over red lights; “White over red, pilot ahead.”

Rule 30

Anchored or Aground: Vessels at anchor show all-around white lights; aground adds red over red.

Rule 31

Seaplanes: Shall exhibit similar lights and shapes as practicable.

Rule 32

Definitions (Sound & Light Signals): Defines whistle, short blast, and prolonged blast.

Rule 33

Equipment for Sound Signals: Specifies when and which vessels must carry sound signaling devices.

Rule 34

Maneuvering and Warning Signals: One short = starboard, two short = port, three short = astern propulsion.

Rule 35

Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility: Specifies signals to be made at intervals (e.g., one prolonged blast every two minutes).

Rule 36

Signals to Attract Attention: Permits use of light or sound to attract attention when necessary to avoid collision.

Rule 37

Distress Signals: Lists the recognized distress signals (flares, SOS, radio, etc.).

Rule 38

Exemptions: Allows exemptions for vessels built or under construction at certain times or of special design.