STI Academic Center

P. Sanchez Street corner Pat Antonio

Street Sta. Mesa Manila, 1035 Metro Manila

PART B – Steering and Sailing Rules

What is steering and sailing rules?

Overtaking vessels, regardless of the method of propulsion, are always give-way vessels. A
vessel on the starboard side in a crossing situation is the stand-on vessel, and one on the port
side is the give-way vessel unless it is a sailing vessel crossing a power-driven vessel.

Section II - Conduct of vessels in sight of one another

(Rules 11-18)

 Rule 11 says the section applies to vessels in sight of one another.

Reference : https://www.slideserve.com/varen/rules-of-the-road-purpose-and-scope

 Rule 12 states action to be taken when two sailing vessels are approaching one
another.

Reference : https://slideplayer.com/amp/6072066/

D-WATCH – 1 - Part B Steering and Sailing Rules Week No. 5-7 Handout
 STI Academic Center
P. Sanchez Street corner Pat Antonio
Street Sta. Mesa Manila, 1035 Metro Manila

Reference : https://cultofsea.com/colregs/part-b-steering-and-sailing-rules-4-19/rule-12-sailing-
vessels/

(a) 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:

(i) when each of them has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the
port side shall keep out of the way of the other;

(ii) When both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep
out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward;

(iii) if the vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot
determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or the starboard side,
she shall keep out of the way of the other.

(b) For the purposes of this Rule, the windward side shall be deemed to be the side
opposite that on which the mainsail is carried or, in the case of a square-rigged vessel,
the side opposite to that on which the largest fore-and-aft sail is carried.

D-WATCH – 1 - Part B Steering and Sailing Rules Week No. 5-7 Handout
 STI Academic Center
P. Sanchez Street corner Pat Antonio
Street Sta. Mesa Manila, 1035 Metro Manila

 Rule 13 covers overtaking - the overtaking vessel should keep out of the way of the
vessel being overtaken.

Reference : https://www.slideshare.net/NASBLA/navigation-rules-basic

Reference : https://www.slideshare.net/ShaneSankaranarayana/explanation-on-critical-areas-of-
colregs-international-regulations-for-preventing-collisions-at-sea

a. Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules of part B, sections I and II, any vessel
overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.

Meaning: It does not make a difference whether any ship ahead of the own vessel has permitted
by signaling that overtaking may take place. As far as the Rules are concerned especially Rule
13, the overtaking vessel is duty bound to keep clear.

D-WATCH – 1 - Part B Steering and Sailing Rules Week No. 5-7 Handout
 STI Academic Center
P. Sanchez Street corner Pat Antonio
Street Sta. Mesa Manila, 1035 Metro Manila

b. A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a
direction more than 22.5° abaft the beam, that is, in such a position with reference to the
vessel she is overtaking, that at night she would be able to see only the stern light of that
vessel but neither of her sidelights.

Meaning: This part determines whether or not a vessel would be deemed to be overtaking or
not.
In general overtaking is a clear cut understanding, however, in certain circumstances, it
becomes difficult to judge whether a ship is overtaking or not. So this Part clarifies what is
overtaking.

c. When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether she is overtaking another, she shall
assume that this is the case and act accordingly.

Meaning: Again the same instruction – when in any doubt whether a vessel is overtaking or not,
it is accepted that the vessel is overtaking.

d. Any subsequent alteration of the hearing between the two vessels shall not make the
overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the meaning of these Rules or relieve her of
the duty of keeping clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear.

 Rule 14 deals with head-on situations.

Reference : https://quizlet.com/414128568/navigation-flash-cards/

a. When two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses
so as to involve risk of collision each shall alter her course to starboard so that each
shall pass on the port side of the other.

D-WATCH – 1 - Part B Steering and Sailing Rules Week No. 5-7 Handout
 STI Academic Center
P. Sanchez Street corner Pat Antonio
Street Sta. Mesa Manila, 1035 Metro Manila

Meaning: It is a clear instruction when the vessels are head on perfectly, the thing to remember
is that when the vessels are nearly on reciprocal courses, then to the vessels are asked to alter
course to starboard.
A nearly reciprocal course would deem that the vessels would be passing very close to each
other, and the situation can become a close quarter situation when the ships are quite close.

    

b. Such a situation shall be deemed to exist when a vessel sees the other ahead or
nearly ahead and by night she could see the masthead lights of the other in a line or
nearly in a line and/or both sidelights and by day she observes the corresponding aspect
of the other vessel.

Meaning: The Rule is very clear about the sightings and has explained what is to be termed as
Head On, a number of cases have come about when this basic Rule is forgotten and the
watch keeper relies on the ARPA to give him the CPA.
The Radar and the ARPA are assistances for the watch keeper and do not replace the
Rule instructions.

D-WATCH – 1 - Part B Steering and Sailing Rules Week No. 5-7 Handout
 STI Academic Center
P. Sanchez Street corner Pat Antonio
Street Sta. Mesa Manila, 1035 Metro Manila

D-WATCH – 1 - Part B Steering and Sailing Rules Week No. 5-7 Handout
 STI Academic Center
P. Sanchez Street corner Pat Antonio
Street Sta. Mesa Manila, 1035 Metro Manila

c. When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether such a situation exists she shall assume
that it does exist and act accordingly.

Meaning: Again the same word ‘Doubt’. So even if the CPA as per the ARPA is marginal
but a positive figure, the determination of Head On would still be by this Rule of sighting.

Reference:https://cultofsea.com/colregs/part-b-steering-and-sailing-rules-4-19/rule-14-head-on-
situation/

 Rule 15 covered the Crossing situations

When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the
vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall,
if the circumstances of the case admit avoid, crossing ahead of the other vessel.

Meaning: This situation would frequently arise and it is always better to avoid a close quarter
situation and go right around the stern of the other vessel rather than cross ahead of the other
vessel.

Of course going around the stern may not be practical at all times but if the situation permits
then it should be followed if the crossing would result in a small CPA.

D-WATCH – 1 - Part B Steering and Sailing Rules Week No. 5-7 Handout
 STI Academic Center
P. Sanchez Street corner Pat Antonio
Street Sta. Mesa Manila, 1035 Metro Manila

Reference : https://cultofsea.com/colregs/part-b-steering-and-sailing-rules-4-19/rule-15-
crossing-situation/

Reference : https://future-seafarer.com/rule-15/

Rule 16 action to be taken by the give-way vessel

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.

D-WATCH – 1 - Part B Steering and Sailing Rules Week No. 5-7 Handout
 STI Academic Center
P. Sanchez Street corner Pat Antonio
Street Sta. Mesa Manila, 1035 Metro Manila

Reference : https://www.instructortoolkit.co.uk/knowledge-base/colregs-irpcs/teaching-irpcs-at-
pb2-pwc/

 Rule 17 deals with the action of the stand-on vessel, including the provision that the
stand-on vessel may "take action to avoid collision by her manoeuvre alone as soon as it
becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking
appropriate action.

(a)(i) Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way of the other shall keep her
course and speed.

Meaning: As long as the give way vessel takes an action well in time there is no problem and
the stand on vessel follows the above Rule, and the stand on vessel is required not to take
action, but it does not mean that she would not be alert and monitor the situation.

(ii) The latter vessel may however take action to avoid collision by her manoeuvre alone,
as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is
not taking appropriate action in accordance with these Rules.

Meaning: The watchkeeper on the stand on the vessel has to be alert and should have been
monitoring the situation as it developed. His plan of action for evasive action should be ready at
all instances since he would have to take evasive action if the give way vessel fails to take
action or if the action is not sufficient to clear the impending danger.

(b) When, from any cause, the vessel required to keep her course and speed finds herself
so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, she
shall take such action as will best aid to avoid collision.
Meaning: The action that the stand on vessel finally takes to avoid the situation depends on
what is the nature of the action of the give-way vessel, if the action is insufficient to clear the
close quarter situation than the stand on vessel has to take action which will get the two ships
safely away from each other.

THE BASIC FACT OF THESE RULES ARE THAT ALTHOUGH THE STAND ON VESSEL
NEED NOT TAKE ACTION INITIALLY, SHE MUST, REPEAT MUST CLOSELY MONITOR
THE OTHER SHIP AND PLAN OUT ACTIONS AT EVERY STEP.

D-WATCH – 1 - Part B Steering and Sailing Rules Week No. 5-7 Handout
 STI Academic Center
P. Sanchez Street corner Pat Antonio
Street Sta. Mesa Manila, 1035 Metro Manila

c) A power-driven vessel which takes action in a crossing situation in accordance with

subparagraph (a)(ii) of this Rule to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel shall,
if the circumstances of the case admit, not alter course to port for a vessel on her own
port side.

Meaning: The action that the stand on vessel takes should not develop into a catastrophe,
rather it should enhance the clearing action. However, the advice is not to alter course to Port
for a give way vessel which is on her port side. But it is a recommendation and if the situation
demands please refer to Rule 2 and take a well-planned decision which may deviate from the
above Rule.

(d) This Rule does not relieve the give-way vessel of her obligation to keep out of the
way.

Meaning: Just because the stand on the vessel has been forced to take action does not mean
that the give way vessel has passed the buck to the stand on vessel. She is still obliged as per
the Rules to keep out of the way.

Rule 18 deals with responsibilities between vessels and includes requirements for vessels
which shall keep out of the way of others.

Except where Rule 9, Rule 10, and Rule 13 otherwise require:

(a) A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:

(i) a vessel not under command;

(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre;

(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing;

(iv) a sailing vessel.

(b) A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:

(i) a vessel not under command;

(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre;

(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing.

(c) A vessel engaged in fishing when underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the
way of:

(i) a vessel not under command;

D-WATCH – 1 - Part B Steering and Sailing Rules Week No. 5-7 Handout
 STI Academic Center
P. Sanchez Street corner Pat Antonio
Street Sta. Mesa Manila, 1035 Metro Manila

(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.

(d)

(i) Any vessel other than a vessel not under command or a vessel restricted in her ability to
manoeuvre shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid impeding the safe passage of a
vessel constrained by her draught, exhibiting the signals in Rule 28.

(ii) A vessel constrained by her draught shall navigate with particular caution having full regard
to her special condition.

(e) A seaplane on the water shall, in general, keep well clear of all vessels and avoid
impeding their navigation. In circumstances, however, where risk of collision exists, she
shall comply with the Rules of this part.

(f)

(i) A WIG craft, when taking off, landing and in flight near the surface, shall keep well clear of all
other vessels and avoid impeding their navigation;

(ii) A WIG craft operating on the water surface shall comply with the Rules of this Part as a
power-driven vessel.

Section IIl - Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility

(Rules 19)

D-WATCH – 1 - Part B Steering and Sailing Rules Week No. 5-7 Handout
 STI Academic Center
P. Sanchez Street corner Pat Antonio
Street Sta. Mesa Manila, 1035 Metro Manila

(a) This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of
restricted visibility.

Reference : https://www.todaypk.video/s/rule-no-19-restricted-visibility/amp

(b) Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and
conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel shall have her engines ready for
immediate manoeuvre.

(c) Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of
restricted visibility when complying with the Rules of Section I of this Part.

(d) A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall determine if a
close-quarters situation is developing and/or risk of collision exists. If so, she shall take avoiding
action in ample time, provided that when such action consists of an alteration of course, so far
as possible the following shall be avoided:

(i) an alteration of course to port for a vessel forwards of the beam, other than for a vessel
being overtaken;

(ii) an alteration of course towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.

(e) Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist, every vessel
which hears apparently forwards of her beam the fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot
avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel forwards of her beam, shall reduce her
speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course. She shall if necessary take all
her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over.

D-WATCH – 1 - Part B Steering and Sailing Rules Week No. 5-7 Handout
 STI Academic Center
P. Sanchez Street corner Pat Antonio
Street Sta. Mesa Manila, 1035 Metro Manila

REFERENCES :

 Reference : https://www.slideserve.com/varen/rules-of-the-road-purpose-and-scope

 Reference : https://slideplayer.com/amp/6072066/
 Reference : https://cultofsea.com/colregs/part-b-steering-and-sailing-rules-4-19/rule-12-
sailing-vessels/

 Reference : https://www.slideshare.net/NASBLA/navigation-rules-basic

 Reference : https://quizlet.com/414128568/navigation-flash-cards/

 Reference : https://cultofsea.com/colregs/part-b-steering-and-sailing-rules-4-19/rule-15-
crossing-situation/

 Reference : https://future-seafarer.com/rule-15/

 Reference : https://www.instructortoolkit.co.uk/knowledge-base/colregs-irpcs/teaching-
irpcs-at-pb2-pwc/

D-WATCH – 1 - Part B Steering and Sailing Rules Week No. 5-7 Handout