Rules of The RoadRules of The RoadReviewReview

Navigation RulesNavigation RulesPurpose and ScopePurpose and Scope

Applicable reading: USCG ROR.Applicable reading: USCG ROR.

Sources:Sources:– 1972 COLREGS (International Rules)1972 COLREGS (International Rules)

Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at SeaRegulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea

Amended in 1983, 1989, 1991 by the IMOAmended in 1983, 1989, 1991 by the IMO

– 1980 Navigation Rules Act (Inland Rules)1980 Navigation Rules Act (Inland Rules)Applies exclusively to US inland watersApplies exclusively to US inland waters

NOTE: Navigation Rules have the force of law.NOTE: Navigation Rules have the force of law.

Purpose of Scope of the Purpose of Scope of the Rules of the RoadRules of the Road

Nav Rules apply based upon a vessel’s Nav Rules apply based upon a vessel’s location.location.– COLREGS Line of DemarcationCOLREGS Line of Demarcation

Rule 1(a): ApplicabilityRule 1(a): Applicability

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

Rule 2: ResponsibilityRule 2: Responsibility““Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof, from the the owner, master or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seaman.”required by the ordinary practice of seaman.”

General Prudential RuleGeneral Prudential Rule:: the mariner is responsible not the mariner is responsible not only for complying with the Rules but also for avoiding a only for complying with the Rules but also for avoiding a collision.collision.

Special SituationsSpecial Situations

In extremis situationsIn extremis situations

Special Situations

(not covered by the Rules)

Rule 3: General Definitions

Special ConditionsSpecial ConditionsVessel engaged in fishingVessel engaged in fishing

Not under commandNot under command

Restricted in ability to maneuverRestricted in ability to maneuver

Constrained by draft (int’l rules only)Constrained by draft (int’l rules only)

VesselVessel– Power driven vesselPower driven vessel– Sailing vesselSailing vessel

UnderwayUnderway– Making wayMaking way– Not making wayNot making way

VesselVessel: includes every description of water craft : includes every description of water craft used or capable of being used as a means on used or capable of being used as a means on transportation on water.transportation on water.

Rule 3: DefinitionsRule 3: DefinitionsVesselVessel

• Includes:– Power-driven vessels– Sailboats– Seaplanes– Non-displacement craft

• “Power driven vessel”

Vessel engaged in fishing means any vessel Vessel engaged in fishing means any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls or other fishing fishing with nets, lines, trawls or other fishing apparatus which restrict maneuverability.apparatus which restrict maneuverability.

Rule 3: DefinitionsRule 3: DefinitionsVessel engaged in fishingVessel engaged in fishing

• Does NOT include:– Vessel engaged in trolling.

Vessel not under command means a vessel Vessel not under command means a vessel which through some exceptional circumstances which through some exceptional circumstances is unable to maneuver to comply with the Rules.is unable to maneuver to comply with the Rules.

Rule 3: DefinitionsRule 3: DefinitionsVessel not under commandVessel not under command

• Examples:– Propulsion casualty– Steering casualty

Vessel restricted in ability to maneuver means a Vessel restricted in ability to maneuver means a vessel which from vessel which from the nature of her workthe nature of her work is is unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.

Rule 3: DefinitionsRule 3: DefinitionsVessel restricted in ability to Vessel restricted in ability to

maneuvermaneuver

• Examples:– Laying navaids– Dredging/Surveying– UNREP– Flight Ops– Mineclearance Ops

Vessel constrained by draft means a power driven Vessel constrained by draft means a power driven vessel which, because of her draft in relation to the vessel which, because of her draft in relation to the available depth is severely restricted in her ability to available depth is severely restricted in her ability to deviate from her present course.deviate from her present course.

Rule 3: DefinitionsRule 3: DefinitionsVessel constrained by draftVessel constrained by draft

Rule 3: DefinitionsRule 3: DefinitionsUnderway, Not-underwayUnderway, Not-underway

Rule 3: DefinitionsRule 3: DefinitionsRestricted VisibilityRestricted Visibility

Lights and DayshapesLights and DayshapesAGENDA:AGENDA:– Rule #20/21 Application and DefinitionsRule #20/21 Application and Definitions– Rule #22 Visibility of LightsRule #22 Visibility of Lights– Rule #23 Power Driven Vessels UnderwayRule #23 Power Driven Vessels Underway– Rule #24 Towing and Pushing Rule #24 Towing and Pushing – Rule #25 Sailing VesselsRule #25 Sailing Vessels– Rule #26 Fishing VesselsRule #26 Fishing Vessels– Rule #27 Vessels not under command / restricted in ability … Rule #27 Vessels not under command / restricted in ability … – Rule #28 Vessels constrained by draftRule #28 Vessels constrained by draft– Rule #29 Pilot vesselsRule #29 Pilot vessels– Rule #30 Vessels aground/at anchorRule #30 Vessels aground/at anchor

Lights shall be displayed:Lights shall be displayed:– From sunset to sunriseFrom sunset to sunrise– In conditions of restricted visibilityIn conditions of restricted visibility– In all other circumstances when deemed appropriateIn all other circumstances when deemed appropriate

Purpose of Lights and Dayshapes:Purpose of Lights and Dayshapes:– Helps determine stand on/give way status.Helps determine stand on/give way status.– Indicates the occupation of certain vessels.Indicates the occupation of certain vessels.– Aids in the determination of target angle and course.Aids in the determination of target angle and course.

Rule 20: ApplicationRule 20: Application of Lights and Dayshapes of Lights and Dayshapes

Rule 21:DefinitionsRule 21:DefinitionsRule 22: Visibility of LightsRule 22: Visibility of Lights

Min RangesMin Ranges

TYPE OF LIGHTTYPE OF LIGHT COLORCOLOR ARCARC 50M+50M+ 12-50M12-50M

MastheadMasthead whitewhite 225225 6 nm6 nm 5 nm5 nm

SidelightSidelight red/greenred/green 112.5112.5 3 nm3 nm 2 nm2 nm

SternlightSternlight whitewhite 135135 3 nm3 nm 2 nm2 nm

TowingTowing yellowyellow 135135 3 nm3 nm 2 nm2 nm

All aroundAll around variousvarious 360360 3 nm3 nm 2 nm2 nm

FlashingFlashing yellow/blue yellow/blue 360360 3 nm3 nm 2 nm2 nm

Range LightRange Light - refers to the second masthead light placed aft and higher - refers to the second masthead light placed aft and higher than than the forward masthead light (>50 m)the forward masthead light (>50 m)

Flashing LightFlashing Light - flashes at regular intervals at 120 hz. Found on surfaced - flashes at regular intervals at 120 hz. Found on surfaced sub’s and non-displacement craft in the non-displacement mode.sub’s and non-displacement craft in the non-displacement mode.

Rule 21:DefinitionsRule 21:DefinitionsRule 22: Visibility of LightsRule 22: Visibility of Lights

Rule 23: Power-DrivenRule 23: Power-DrivenVesselsVessels

Power Driven vessels underwayPower Driven vessels underway

– Vessel > 50 mVessel > 50 m

– Vessel < 50 mVessel < 50 m

– Vessel < 12 mVessel < 12 m

– Vessel < 7 mVessel < 7 m

Rule 24: Towing and PushingRule 24: Towing and Pushing

TOWING ASTERNTOWING ASTERN

Vessel < 50 mVessel < 50 m Tow < 200 mTow < 200 m

Vessel < 50 mVessel < 50 m Tow > 200 mTow > 200 m

Vessel > 50 mVessel > 50 m Tow < 200 mTow < 200 m

Vessel > 50 mVessel > 50 m Tow > 200 mTow > 200 m

COMPOSITE UNITCOMPOSITE UNIT

PUSHING AHEAD/ALONGSIDEPUSHING AHEAD/ALONGSIDE

Vessel > 50 mVessel > 50 m International, InlandInternational, Inland

Vessel < 50 mVessel < 50 m International, InlandInternational, Inland

TOWING and RESTRICTED IN ABILITY TO MANEUVERTOWING and RESTRICTED IN ABILITY TO MANEUVER

““LIGHTING THE TOW”LIGHTING THE TOW”

Rule 25: Sailing VesselsRule 25: Sailing Vessels

Rule 26: Fishing VesselsRule 26: Fishing Vessels

Rule 27: Vessels Rule 27: Vessels Not Under CommandNot Under Command

Rule 27: Vessels Restricted in their Rule 27: Vessels Restricted in their Ability to ManeuverAbility to Maneuver

Rule 28: Vessels Constrained Rule 28: Vessels Constrained by Draft (Inl’t Only)by Draft (Inl’t Only)

Rule 29: Pilot VesselRule 29: Pilot Vessel

Rule 30: Vessels AnchoredRule 30: Vessels Anchoredand Vessels Agroundand Vessels Aground

Steering and Sailing RulesSteering and Sailing Rules

– Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of VisibilityVisibility

Rule #6 - Safe SpeedRule #6 - Safe Speed

Rule #7 - Risk of CollisionRule #7 - Risk of Collision

Rule #8 - Action to Avoid CollisionRule #8 - Action to Avoid Collision

Rule #9 - Narrow ChannelsRule #9 - Narrow Channels

Rule #10 - Traffic Separation SchemesRule #10 - Traffic Separation Schemes

Rule 4: ApplicationRule 4: Application Rule 5: Look-out Rule 5: Look-out

Application (Rule 4) - Application (Rule 4) - Rules in this section Rules in this section apply in Any condition of visibility.apply in Any condition of visibility.

Look-out (Rule 5)Look-out (Rule 5)– Maintain Proper LookoutMaintain Proper Lookout– Use all available meansUse all available means

Must use sight and hearing Must use sight and hearing

Binoculars/RadarBinoculars/Radar

Bearing circle/AlidadeBearing circle/Alidade

Night vision devicesNight vision devices

– Also required at anchorAlso required at anchor

Rule 6: Safe SpeedRule 6: Safe Speed

Determinants of Safe SpeedDeterminants of Safe Speed– Draft of vessel in relation to charted depthDraft of vessel in relation to charted depth– Stopping distance and turning abilityStopping distance and turning ability– Presence of background lighting Presence of background lighting – State of winds, sea, and currentState of winds, sea, and current– State of visibilityState of visibility– Traffic densityTraffic density

Rule 7: Risk of CollisionRule 7: Risk of Collision

Risk of Collision (Rule 7)Risk of Collision (Rule 7)– Every vessel shall use all available means to Every vessel shall use all available means to

determine if risk of collision exists.determine if risk of collision exists.Early use of RADAREarly use of RADARSystematic observationSystematic observation

Such risk is deemed to Such risk is deemed to exist if the compass bearingexist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change.does not appreciably change.

Rule 8: Action to Avoid CollisionRule 8: Action to Avoid Collision

Any action taken to avoid collision shall … Any action taken to avoid collision shall … bebe positivepositive, made in ample time, and with due , made in ample time, and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship.regard to the observance of good seamanship.

– Action taken must be positive and timely.Action taken must be positive and timely.

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

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

Rule 8: Action to Avoid CollisionRule 8: Action to Avoid Collision

Two variables can be altered to avoid collision: Two variables can be altered to avoid collision: coursecourse and and speedspeed..– Change course to avoid Change course to avoid

“close-quarter situations”.“close-quarter situations”.– Slacken speed or take all waySlacken speed or take all way

to allow more time to assess to allow more time to assess the situation.the situation.

Escape clause:Escape clause:““if the circumstances of the case admit”if the circumstances of the case admit”

Rule 9: Narrow ChannelsRule 9: Narrow Channels

Narrow Channels (Rule 9)Narrow Channels (Rule 9)– Stay on the “right” side of the channelStay on the “right” side of the channel– Sailing vessels and vessels < 20 meters shall Sailing vessels and vessels < 20 meters shall

not impede vessels restricted to the channel.not impede vessels restricted to the channel.– Fishing vessels shall notFishing vessels shall not

impede other vessels.impede other vessels.– Crossing vessels shall not Crossing vessels shall not

impede other vessels.impede other vessels.

Rule 10: Traffic Separation Rule 10: Traffic Separation SchemesSchemes

Traffic Separation schemes my be adopted by Traffic Separation schemes my be adopted by the IMO for the purpose of these Rules.the IMO for the purpose of these Rules.

– Use small angle of approach to enter/depart.

– Cross the scheme at right angles.

– You can fish in the lanes as long as you do not impede passage of the other vessels.

Conduct of vessels in sight of one anotherConduct of vessels in sight of one another

Conduct of vessels in sight of one anotherConduct of vessels in sight of one another

Rule #12 - Sailing Vessels Rule #12 - Sailing Vessels

Approach Situations Approach Situations – Rule #13 - OvertakingRule #13 - Overtaking– Rule #14 - MeetingRule #14 - Meeting– Rule #15 - CrossingRule #15 - Crossing

Rule #16 - Action by the Give-way Vessel Rule #16 - Action by the Give-way Vessel

Rule #17 - Action by the Stand-on Vessel Rule #17 - Action by the Stand-on Vessel

Rule #18 - Responsibilities Between VesselsRule #18 - Responsibilities Between Vessels

Vessels in Sight of One AnotherVessels in Sight of One AnotherRule 12: Sailing VesselsRule 12: Sailing Vessels

Vessels in Sight of One AnotherVessels in Sight of One AnotherRule 12: Sailing VesselsRule 12: Sailing Vessels

Vessels in Sight of One AnotherVessels in Sight of One AnotherRule 13: OvertakingRule 13: Overtaking

Rule 13 requires the overtaking vessel to keep out of the Rule 13 requires the overtaking vessel to keep out of the way of the vessel being passedway of the vessel being passed..An overtaking situation exists when a vessel approaches An overtaking situation exists when a vessel approaches

An overtaking situation exists when a vessel approaches another An overtaking situation exists when a vessel approaches another vessel more than 22.5deg abaft the beam.vessel more than 22.5deg abaft the beam.

Vessels in Sight of One AnotherVessels in Sight of One AnotherRule 14: Meeting SituationRule 14: Meeting Situation

Rule 14 requires both power vessels to maneuver to Rule 14 requires both power vessels to maneuver to starboard.starboard.

An overtaking situation exists when a vessel approaches An overtaking situation exists when a vessel approaches

A meeting situation exists if two power vessels approach on A meeting situation exists if two power vessels approach on reciprocal or near reciprocal courses.reciprocal or near reciprocal courses.

Vessels in Sight of One AnotherVessels in Sight of One AnotherRule 15: Crossing SituationRule 15: Crossing Situation

Rule 15 requires the vessel that has the other on its starboard Rule 15 requires the vessel that has the other on its starboard side to keep clear.side to keep clear.

An overtaking situation exists when a vessel approaches An overtaking situation exists when a vessel approaches

At night the stand-on vessel sees the green sidelight of the give-way vessel, At night the stand-on vessel sees the green sidelight of the give-way vessel, and the give-way vessel sees the red sidelight of the stand-on vessel. and the give-way vessel sees the red sidelight of the stand-on vessel.

Give-wayGive-way::Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

Stand-onStand-on::Where one of two vessels Where one of two vessels is to is to keep out of the way keep out of the way the the other vessel shall keepother vessel shall keep her her course and speed.course and speed.

Rules 16/17: Action by Give-way Rules 16/17: Action by Give-way and Stand-on Vesselsand Stand-on Vessels

Vessel being overtakenVessel being overtaken

Vessel not under command Vessel not under command oror Restricted in ability to maneuverRestricted in ability to maneuver

Vessel constrained by draftVessel constrained by draft

Vessel engaged in fishingVessel engaged in fishing

Sailing vesselsSailing vessels

Power driven vesselsPower driven vessels

SeaplanesSeaplanes

Rule 18: Responsibilities Between Rule 18: Responsibilities Between Vessels (Order of Precedence)Vessels (Order of Precedence)

Rules 13-15: Vessels in Sight andRules 13-15: Vessels in Sight andin Risk of Collision (Review)in Risk of Collision (Review)

HEAD ON OVERTAKING CROSSING

Description Meeting onreciprocal courses,masthead lights inline, both sidelightsvisible.

Overtaking anothervessel more than22.5 abaft the beam,at night only thesternlight visible.

Two vesselscrossing, risk ofcollision exists.

Action Both vessels turn tostarboard to passport-to-port.

Overtaking vesselkeeps out of the wayon the overtakenvessel.

The vessel whichholds the otheron her starboardmust keep out ofthe way of thestand-on vessel.

HomeworkHomework

Review and Be Familiar with the Rules of Review and Be Familiar with the Rules of The RoadThe Road