Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Ror PDF
Ror PDF
I
|,
a
e
I
|.
|'
I
I
I \
'.i11
I . \ \
I .\,\
I
I
il.
a
t
t
a
Ei-
I
l
I
SCANNED By MKP
I
Foreword
lntroduction 3
i
I
i
i
i
I
{-
SCANNED By MKP
:l
t
:1
=r.
il FOREWORD
t by Captain R B Middleton FNI President The Nautical Institute.
|' The results were alarming with nearly 50oloof the respondents stating that in their view the
problemswere causedby ignoranceand wilful disregardof the rules.
I
However respondentsalsodrew attention to other factors like distractionsdue to GMDSSfalse
I alarms,VHF chafter,VTS reporting,and paperwork.
t Oflicers can work through a pageat a time discussingthe elementswith colleaguesand relating
the contents to the full form of the rules.
I
For experienced officers there is an opportunity to work through the text r, " ,"fru.h". "nd to
I use the booklet as a trainingaid when coachingjunior officersand cadetson watch.
t It is our duty as nautical professionalsto ensure that we are responsible at all times for the safe
r
il
r
r
r
I
t
SCANNED By MKP
I
I
il€ !
I
I
CONVENTIONON THE INTERNATIONAL REGUIATIONS
FOR
I
PREVENTING
COLLTSTONSAT SEA,t972 (COLREGS) I
This guide is basedon the COLREGSposter seriesproduced by the North of EnglandP&l I
Association'sRiskManagementDepartment between 2001 and 2004.
I
The aim of these posters is not to provide an all encompassingguide to the Rulesbut to dispel
some frequent misunderstandings and misinterpretationsof the most widely used Rulesand T
to provide a graphicillustrationof the correct stepsto decipher and to apply the Regulations.
I
While it is vital to know the contents of the Regulations,simply being able to recite them
verbatim is no substitutefor knowing how to apply them. A coherent full working knowledge I
of the text and its applicationis vital-
I
The UK Marine Accident InvestigationBranchhasstressedthe importanceof Rule2 and their
concern that this vital Ruleis so often overlooked. I
Rule2 - Responsibiliry I
(o) Nothing in these Rulessho/l exonerdteony vessel,or the owner,mosteror crew thereof,from the I
consequences of ony neglectto comply with these Ru/esor of neglectof ony precoutionwhich
moy be requiredby the ordinoryproctice of seoman,or by the speciolcircumstoncesof the case. I
(b) ln construingond complyingwith theseRulesdue regord shollbe had to oll dongersof novigation I
ond collisionond to ony specialcircumstances,includingthe limitationsofthe vesselsinvolved,
which moy moke o deporturefrom theseRu/esnecessoryto ovoidimmediatedonger. I
This fundamentalfeature of the COLREGShighlightsthe fact that you, the manners,are I
responsiblefor your own actionsand you haveto comply with the Ruleswhile ensuringthat
you take all precautionsof the ordinary practiceof seafarers- there is no substitutefor the I
applicationof common senseon the seas.
I
T
I
I
I
T
!
r3
L
=I
SCANNED By MKP
:r
t-
il
il
il
il
il During the NauticalInstitute's
"lmproving
the applicationof the COLREGS"survey,it was
"uncertainty",
noted by the late Captain FranEoisBaillodFNl, that reported incidentsrelated to
il "violations"
and
"disregard
for the COLREGS".While many cited
"ignorance","poor
knowledge
"lack
of the COLREGS",or of training" as reasonsfor the poor and ineffectiveapplicationof
I the Regulations.
il Huch of the guidancetext has been provided by Captain Roger Symswho has enthusiastically
embracedthe idea of providingan easyto use guide to the COLREGSin conjunctionwith the
|. originalNonh of Englandposter series.This project hasalso been able to make use of the
experiencesexpressedthrough the NauticalInstitute'ssurveyinto the COLREGS.
I
The North of Englandalso acknowledgeswith thanks, the contribution and suggestionsof
|. dte UK MarineAccident InvestigationBranchon the conceptualideasbehindthe proiect.
I
I
il
L
il
il
r
il
il
il
L
|.
SCANNED By MKP
il
T
il
il
il "Look out" means pay attention to evefihing! - Not lust looking ahead out of the window
but all round the vessel,usingall your sensesand all appropriateequipment availableto you.
I
r THATGIVESYOU
KEEPAN EYEAND EARON EVERYTHING
INFORMATIONINCLUDING:
f- o Radar/ARPA - Be aware of the effects of clutter, of small targets and the range of the set.
r r
o
Radio transmissions - Keep an ear on what is going on in the vessel'sviciniry.
Sound Signals - Can you hear any sound signalsnear-by? Be aware of the effect of
I keepinga closedwheelhouse,and of distractingnoisesin a closedspace.
Course and Position Navigation Aids - lf you haveto alter course make sure there is
t o
safewater available.
I OF DISTRACTIONS!
BEWARE
r o Alarms - Do not allow alarms,such as falseGMDSStransmissions,
keepinga proper look-out.
to distractyou from
I
l-
r
I
I
I
I
I
SCANNED By MKP
Every vesel shall at all times proceed at a sale speed s ihd she d hke prcper ad eff€ctire &tion io avoid @llision and
be iopped within a distece appropriate to the pBailing circumsnces and conditions.
In determining a sale speed the following fado6 shall be amonA lhse taken inb &count:
e7
a SCANNED By MKP
*
il
f
a
I
il Rule 6 allows you to make your own judgement as to the most appropriate sPeed at any time
Remember the radar or ARPA is not infallible, lt may miss some targetsaltogetheror it may
I show very large targets as weak echoes.
r Navigational aids such as GPS can be equally susPect - don't rely on one instrument for
I Constantly monitor your speed - The situationat sea is constantlychangingand what can be
deemed a safespeed in one situationcan changewith circumstances,sometimessuddenly!
t -
l.laintaining high speeds for commercial considerations should not be tolerated
il ir is no excuseor defencefor proceedingat an unsafespeed'
I
il
il
t-
l-
il
T
il
il
l
SCANNED By MKP
{f
##;::1,
{:'",,*
I s..r,rrr ia rcne,nesexsiererri.r:l
-
SCANNED By MKP
*
Trc
il
I
r Listen as well as look! - fu with keeping a look out, you must use all the information and
Use the compass to check the bearings of approaching vessels - compare it with the
I radar bearing.
I Are you using true or relative vectors? lf you have an Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA)
I you should use the RELATIVE VECTORS for determining risk of collision and TRUE
VECTORS to ascertain the other vessel's actual movement.
r You must be aware of the limitationsand use of the ARPA and interpret informationdisplayed
r correctly.
I tf you are not litted with an ARPA you must run a RADAR PLOT.
I ls tfte targ€t passing ahead or astern? Or is it going to collide? - Remember the primary
Eton't trust ARPA to give you an accurate Closest Point of Approach (CPA). - Where
I possibletake at leasthalf a mile off each indicationto be safe.(lf it shows a CPA of half a mile
r assumeit is collision).
I
I
I
r
r
r
r l0|
SCANNED By MKP
r::'*i";
'--''-'::':t'
t
fl
il
I
il Remember a positive alteration made very early on is better than a large panic
alteration at the last minute! - the closer you are to the other vesselthe more you will
I haveto do to avoid collision.
r Don't iudge a "positive" and "ample" action just by the amount of alteration - confirm
it by the changein CPA. Keep checkingthe situationuntil the risk of collisionis past and clear.
il
Make your actions obvious to other vessels - Smallalterationsof course are dangerous;
t they don't usuallysolve the problem and don't give the other vessela clear indicationof what
I Use the engines - lf your abilityto alter is constrainedthen SLOW DOWN or STOP
I The other rresselmay also be obliged to take action. Always bear in mind what that action
may oe.
I
N O T I M PE D IN G?
I "not
r lf the Rulesrequire you to impede", it means you must make a very early alteration
I to make sure risk of collisiondoes not develop.
o "not
lf you are the to be impeded" vesselbe preparedfor the other vesselnot to take
I the correct action. lf a collisionis imminent you haveto act however constrainedyou are!
r Think about what you are doing - Actions taken to avoid collision should follow the
observanceof good seamanship- this is where we haveto apply professionaland sound Practical
I judgement!
il
r
r
r
I
r
I
t2
I
SCANNED By MKP
I I o€rPdddber*P<ddrsiff!eFFr4 he
t _€G_s€
r
T
r There is no right of way - Just becauseyou are navigatingwithin a Traffic SeparationScheme
(l-SS)does not give you right of way over other vessels.
I
The other COLREGS continue to apply within a TSS.
=
Remain within the lanes - but if your alteration for a crossingvessel is likely to take you
l- outsidethe schemethis does not exempt you from following the Rules.lf you are not happy
r BE WARY!
Actions of vessels navigating in the vicinity of a TSS can be UNPREDICIABLE.
t Look out for crossing vessels on the edge of the scheme. They may alter to cross at right
t anglesor they may alter parallelto the schemeto find a lesscrowded placeto cross.
I Look out for High Speed Craft (HSC) - HSC tend to presentcollisionriskswide on the
r beam. HSC do often alter course early,however you cannot assumethey will alwaysdo so.
I
I
I
-
T
T
-
I
t
r
r
I
I t4a
SCANNED By MKP
I
I
I
$
I
I
I
NoMithshnd n3 anlrhingconbned n rhe Rulesof Pad
B, Sec!oE land l. anyve$eloveGkjnE an/ other shall
Whei a v€se i: in any noubt s to wherher she is
ovetuking norhei she shal 6sume that this is the.ae
I
keep out of the wa/ of ihe vss€l b€ ng ovefrai<en
A ve$e shal be deem€dto be ov€tak nEwhen comins Any subsequent al@€t on ol rhe bearing betueen the
I
up wiih a mother veset frcm a d rection more thd 22.5
dqrees abaft h€rbeam, that k, in sucha pos tion wrh
tuo ves* s sha I noi m3j<ethe ove@k nE v€$e a
fio$idg vesel wiihin th€ m€an ng of ih$e Rules or
I
refer€nceto ihe v$3e sh€ c avedaling, ihat at nehtshe rel eve her of the d!ry ol keeprng .leaf ol the ov€tuken
wo! d be ab € to see only the s€mlighr of thar resd bur Ye$elunti she is linaly pd and der I
I
I
I
l
-
SCANNED By MKP
il
ig
il
I
r Don't forget! lf you are not sure you are an overtaking Yessel, you must assume
that you are and keep clear.
I
Don't pass close - overtakinginvariablytakes time, so make sure you havea safedistance
il between you and the other vessel. (Where possiblethis shouldbe ot least greaterthon your
hord-overturning circle.)
il
Beware of interaction! - if you are forced by traffic to passcloser be very careful that
il interactiondoes not occur.
r - Avoid crossing ahead - lfyou are not on parallel courses and passingclear, cross astern
I Does the ship being overtaken know you are there? Always assume they do not! ,
I Remain vigilant - Remember,you remain an overtaking vessel until you are finally passed
ind clear.
I
I
il
il
I
il
il
r
il
il
r
I
t
t6
I
SCANNED By MKP
Vvnen wo poweFdriv€n vses m neeting on cou d *e the mdh€n lightsof the orher io lin€ or
reciprocal or n€rly recipro€ .o nearlyin ine aid/or bdh sidellehc2nd by day sh€
r sk of .oll sion ach shall a ter her cou6e to s6rhoard obsery6 ine @respondins $ped ofthe othervsel.
so rhat ea.h sha! pson thepofrsideottheothei
(.) When avs€ is in any doubt b to whdhersuch:
(b) Sucha s tuationshalbe deem€dto exis when a ve$el snoarionex sh she shaI sume that it do6 din and
s€es ihe oiher ahead or nearly ahead and by n ght she
il k SCANNED By MKP
il
T
il
I
r "Nearfy recipr.ocal"does not mean exactly right ahead. lf a vesselis aheadandcomingthe
otherway on an oppositecourseandroughlywithinhalfa point(6 or 7 degrees) of eitherside
t l4
of the bow,Rule applies.
l- ACT ACCORDINGLY!
t RULE8
UNDERSTAND
"any
r o Rule 8(a) says, action to avoid collision shall be taken in accordancewith the Rules
of this Part ..." ("this Part" beingthe Steeringond SoilingRules)
r . lt means that if you have a vessel fine to starboard, even at some distance away, altering
to port to increasethe clearancemay be construedas not being in accordancewith the
COLREGS.You shouldalwaysgo to starboardas directed by the Rule.
I
- Do not wait for the other vesselto act, the closer you get before taking action
I Alter arty!
the greater the stepsyou subsequentlyhaveto take to avoid collision.
I
t
il
il
il
il
r
t
il
il
T'
il
il
t l8
SCANNED By MKP
Whentwo power-driven
vessels
arecrossing
so asto involveriskofcollision,the vesselwhichhas
the other on her own starboardsideshallkeepout ofthe way andshall,ifthe circumstances
of
the caseadmit,avoidcrosslng
aheadofthe othervessel.
w t9
t
SCANNED By MKP
t
il
r
il
t- Give way early - lf you are the give-way vessel,take early action so the other vessel knows
your intentions.
t
Avoid crossing ahead - Go to starboard,astern of the vesselif at all possible.
il
t Be considerate - lf the other vessel is hampered in any way, action must be taken even earlier
to reassurethe other vessel.
r keep clear.
r Use your engines - Remember that you should always have the option of using your engines
as well as your helm.
I
I
I
t
I
I
l
r
I
I.
r
r
I
I
I
r 20 1
SCANNED By MKP
so far 6 Possible,take
Everyvesseiwhichis direcredto keep out ofthe way ofanother vesseLshall,
eady and substa.tialactlonto keeDwellciean
ldtlsr2l
a
SCANNED By MKP
il
t
il
r DO NOT HESITATE! - Alter early and adequatelyenough to show the other vessel clearly
what you are doing.
il
Confirm your alteration - make sure that your action has had the desired effect by checking
il the increasein the CPA on the radar.
il KEEPEVERYBODY
i.4APPY!
r o Following Rule l6 makes life easier for all vessels.
r o lf the watchkeeper on the other vessel is happy with the situation and with your alteration
there is lesslikelihoodof he/shedoing anythingunexpected.
r o Treat other vesselsas you would like to be treated yourself. Apply some courtesy
to seamanshipand common sense.
I
I
r
t
r
I
I
.
il
r
I
I
I
r
I
I
SCANNED By MKP
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
tolS 340"d!0 I
l02l UOIXB
I
I
t
I
I
I
G) (i) Whe.e one of two vesselsis to keepout rhe aciionof the give-wayvessealone,she
ofthe way the other shallkeepher course shalltakesucha.tion aswill bestaid to avoid
M23
u,
SCANNED By MKP
9i'i
ril
FJ
ff'
H
_:
ql
r{'
s
sl THERTARETWO STAGESTO RULE
s | 7(a)(ii) At some distance ofi - when "as soon as it becomes apparent ... that the vessel
required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriateaction...",you may take your
s own action to avoid collision.
tr PROVIDED you do not alter to port for a vessel on your port side in a crossing situation.
l7(b) At close quarters - when "collisioncannot be avoidedby the give-wayvessel
s alone", you shouldtake the best action you can to avoid collision.
ill
s]
Sr
s
s;
gl
8i
EI
f,i
Bl
tr
fii
il
F
H
T1
Br
T]I 24
SCANNED By MKP
,iril:lii
rJ
fl
fll
fll Rule 19 is a different set of rules that only apply when "vessels are not in sight of
one another".
Etr
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STAND-ON VESSEL IN RESTRICTED VISIBILITY.
EI Every vessel must act!
f,l Avoid altering to port (lg(dXD) - An alteration of course to port (should be avoided) for
st Avoid altering towards ( I g(dxii)) - lf a target presents a collision or close quarters risk
abeam or abaft the beam you must act but avoid altering towards it.
EI THIS DOES NOT MEAN you cannot alter towards ANY vessel that may be abeam or
8l abaft the beam. Rule lg(dxiD only applies if there is a collision or close quarters risk.
8l Use your engines - Again always remember that you should have the option of using your
enginesas well as your helm.
8l
Proceed at a safe speed - have your enginesavailablefor immediate manoeuvring.
8l
lf you don't have radar, for whatever reason, )rou must proceed with extreme caution.
8l Listen for sound signals and respond accordingly.
8l
EI
8r
sl
fll
dl
ilt
TI
$
fl
26
IF
SCANNED By MKP
REMEMBER!
The COLREGSare not just adviceto the mariner-
they are THE LAW.
@ NonrH oF ENGLAND
427
SCANNED By MKP
i-tJLit,[:i1,i:,
A GU]DETO GOODPRACTICE
I rei,llil;C; r . ? r ! i c L , i . a r i o r , Ls p o r -! , 4 . t
r r i l r f e n a ! r , i . i . r i 'rrfnd c . ' n c l ! . : . t \ ' . t r s 5 a 5 : r ' i.rri 1 i .
i r s v l G r r ! r :o l l 1 r ' i r or / o r i r \ r ' r t i r e R r : s f i v e
;r i I i li.r Lreiir j ed l.i.\, je.l-'e,rf r,.rl cn j' L'r: r':,,,
l,!i oI r ! r:!.11
e e.nen;i rr .L-il.r!ri/e) appl\ iier.
'f
ire f,i':,r' .jf ;ig anil i:'ii1l'srD.lri. ri F,.sir
l ' i n l : a ! e i i , e f -l J e p r r r i . e r Lhi a si i f . . . r i ) , c t r i J
i-' ,tl:s:!.] ,r rrlrie! rf i.sr;r io h qliri€hi i lc iiLi.r
ar,l !| s .'rlc:rc. 5 nrj i.!f,tl,$r ihc i! i :r.r
l r l ! . : r e r i , r j ! , , i : i ) i e ., j ' i i r _ . . i .t . i r i : u l d i . i r . , :
i| ohi,-ir(| jj|r ,lefeio.rri :r: -.r[je,rer i:r:e;s
{30
tsBN 0-9542012-9-9