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International Regulations For preventing Collisions

At sea, 1972 (1990 amendments)

Part A. General

Rules 1-3

Part B. Steering and Sailing Rules


Section I

Rules 4-10

Section II

Rules 11-18

Section III

Rules 19

Part C. Lights and Shapes

Rules 20-31

Part D. Sound and Lights Signals

Rules 32-37

Part E. Exemptions

Rules 38

International Regulations For preventing Collisions


At sea, 1972 (1995 amendments)

Annexes to The Rules


Annex I

Details of lights and shapes

Annex II

Additional signals for fishing vessels

Annex III Details of sound signal appliances


Annex IV

Distress signals

Part A - General

Rule 1
Application

A Roadstead is an open anchorage, generally protected by shoals,


which offers less protection than a harbour.

Coastal states or local authorities may make special rules for areas
which lie outside the usual limits of inland waters.

Mariners to consult Sailing Directions and other publications for


special rules.

Special rules shall conform as closely as possible and to eliminate


any important difference with the Colregs 1972 which may confuse
mariners.

The rule refers to additional lights and signals for fishing vessel,
warships, etc authorized by the Government of any State and does
not apply to the signals for vessels fishing in close proximity listed
in Annex II.

Part A - General

Rule 1
Application

Ships Routeing A publication gives details of all TSS adopted by


IMO. Amendments are issued, promulgated in NTM.

Aircraft carriers masthead lights placed off the centre line with
reduced horizontal separation. Sidelights may be on either side of
the hull or the island superstructure. Many warships >50m in length
without second masthead light.

Submarines forward white light may be lower than the sidelights.


Some fitted with an amber flashing light 2m above the after
masthead light.

Part A - General
Rule 2
Responsibility
Precautions required by good seamanship or special circumstances:
A vessel underway is expected to keep clear of a vessel at anchor.

When a vessel anchors she must do so without endangering other


vessels which may navigating nearby or anchor too close to other
anchored vessels.

A vessel without operational radar in fog should anchor if it is safe


and practicable to do so.

When two vessels approaching a difficult bend, the vessel with the
tide against her should wait until the other has passed.

The effects of shallow water, reduce speed to avoid vessels squat


and interaction between ships.

Compliance to TSS not adopted by IMO not compulsory by all ships


but good seamanship to comply as per Rule 10.

Part A - General
Rule 2
Responsibility
Dangers of navigation and collision:
A power driven vessel meeting another end on may be unable to alter
her course to starboard, owing to the presence of shallow water
close by or of an overtaking vessel on her starboard side.
This rule does not give any vessel the right to take action contrary
to the Regulations.

A departure from these Rules is only permitted when there


are special circumstances and there is immediate danger.
Both conditions must apply.

Part A - General
Rule 3
General Definitions

A vessel includes all water crafts and WIG craft used as


transportation on water.

WIG - multimodal craft, flies close to sea surface.

Seaplane includes aircraft designed to manoeuvre on water.

Sailing vessel means using sails only.

A vessel propel by machinery which is NUC or RAM or engaged in


fishing is not always be regarded as a power driven vessel.

Part A - General
Rule 3
General Definitions

Small vessels such as pleasure craft fishing with a few short lines or
other small gear which does not affect the manoeuvrability are not
entitled to the privilege of vessel engaged in fishing.

NUC includes a breakdown of engines or steering gear, lost a


propeller or rudder, a vessel with her anchor down but not holding, a
vessel riding to anchor chains with anchors unshackled and a sailing
vessel becalmed.

Not only the depth of water but also the available water width
should be used as a factor to determine whether a vessel may be
regarded as constrained by her draught. I.e. UKC and
manoeuvrability of the vessel.

A vessel may be underway but stopped and making no way to through


the water.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules

Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility


Rule 5
Look-out

The look-out shall fully appraise the situation and the risk of
collision, stranding and other dangers to navigation, and detecting
ships or aircraft in distress, shipwrecked persons, wrecks, debris
and other hazards to safe navigation.

The look-out must not be given other duties which could interfere
with the task. The duties of the look-out and helmsman are
separate except in small ships where an unobstructed all-round view
is possible.

The OOW maybe the sole look-out in daylight provided that the
situation has been carefully assessed and full account has been
taken of all relevant factors including weather, navigation and
traffic conditions and assistance is immediately available to be
summoned to the bridge when requires.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules

Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility


Rule 5
Look-out

The look-out man should preferably be stationed forward,


particularly with vessels without operational radar, he may be more
likely to hear fog signals coming from ahead.

Proper look-out including the effective use of all available


instruments and equipment, in addition to both sight and hearing,for
e.g. radar, binoculars and VHF information from shore station and
from other ships.

Full appraisal of the situation to mean checking on own vessels


steering and seeing that equipment required for keeping the vessel
on course is functioning correctly.

The duty to keep a proper look-out applies also when a vessel is at


anchor.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules


Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility
Rule 6
Safe Speed

In order to maintain a safe speed at all times, a continuous


appraisal of circumstances and conditions should be made and any
necessary alterations of speed must be instantly put into effect.

Proper and effective action to mean, in restricted visibility, the


speed of a vessel should not be too high for effective avoiding
action nor too low a speed that the steering becomes ineffective.

A PD vessel to have her engines ready for immediate manoeuvre in


restricted visibility.

OOW to familiar with the manoeuvring characteristic of the vessel,


concerning stopping distance and turning circles. The distance that a
vessel will cover in a crash stop before being brought to rest from
full speed, depending upon speed, displacement, type of machinery
etc.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules


Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility
Rule 6
Safe Speed

The reference to draught is intended to cover the possible


restriction of manoevrability space due to shallow water in the
vicinity or hydrodynamic effect, such as bow cushion (smelling the
ground), bank suction and interaction between ships.

The term operational radar means radar in use, both for keeping a
proper look-out and for determining risk of collision.

To check the efficiency of the radar is being maintained the


performance monitor should be used at frequent intervals.

The vessel should swung off course


any shadow sectors or blind arcs if

The range scale used should be changed at regular intervals.

for a short period to check for


suspected.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules


Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility
Rule 7
Risk of Collision

All available means to determine whether risk of collision exists,


taking of visual compass bearings is especially important.

VHF communication may be used to advantage for clarifying a


situation with another vessel. Limitation include difficulties of
identifying vessel from others in the vicinity and of communicating
with a vessel of different nationality.

Appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and condition indicates


that it is not always necessary to use radar to determine whether
risk of collision exists. Visual compass bearings preferred if in sight
of one another.

Proper use of radar, that all controls at optimum settings and


appropriate range scale should be used. In addition choice of
display, stabilized mode recommended as compass bearings read off
directly and echoes do not blurred.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules


Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility
Rule 7
Risk of Collision

Equivalent systematic observation would apply to use of one or more


of the various types of radar aids, ranging from simple plotting
devices to ARPA. If no such aids, recording of ranges and bearings
at regular and frequent intervals may be accepted.

Assumption on scanty information, small errors in ranges and


bearings taken in the early stages (at long range) of an encounter,
or inaccurate plotting likely have an effect on assessment of risk of
collision.

To determine whether a close quarter situation developing, several


observations (range and bearings) should be taken at short and
regular intervals.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules

Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility


Rule 7
Risk of Collision

Risk of collision shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearings of


an approaching vessel is not appreciably changing, not relative
bearing. The relative bearing is affected by ships heading.

An appreciably change of bearing at short range may associated with


a dangerously close passing distance. For e.g. overtaking situation.

Similarly, an appreciable change of bearing at greater ranges does


not necessary mean that there is no risk of collision. The other
vessel may be making a series of small alteration. For e.g. crossing
situation.

When determining whether there is risk of collision, both ranges and


bearings should be taken into account.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules

Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility


Rule 8
Action to avoid Collision

When a vessel is directed to keep out of the way, must, so far as


possible, take early avoiding action.

In restricted visibility, alteration of course and speed should be


substantial so that they may be readily apparent to another vessel
observing by radar.

An alteration of course (>30 deg) is more effective to avoid a vessel


ahead or fine on the bow and avoiding an approaching vessel from
astern or fine on the quarter.

A change of speed (stopping the engines) is more effective to avoid


a vessel approaching from abeam or near abeam.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules


Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility
Rule 8
Action to avoid Collision

The obligation to pass at a safe distance apply almost exclusively to


the give-way vessel.

The need to check the effectiveness of action taken by continuous


plotting or equivalent systematic observation, until the other vessel
is well clear.

In restricted sea room, a vessel which is obliged to take avoiding


action (in crossing or overtaking situation) should slacken her speed
or take all way off.

The speed must also be reduced if it is necessary to allow more time


to assess the situation.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules


Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility
Rule 8
Action to avoid Collision

A vessel shall take all way off by stopping or reversing her means of
propulsion. Reduction in speed and helm action hard over one way
then hard over the other side assist in crash stop.

When vessels are approaching in such a way that risk of collision


seem likely to develop, a vessel which is required not to impede the
passage of another vessel is not relieved of the obligation if the
other vessel will become the give-way vessel when risk of collision
exists.

A vessel the passage of which is not to be impeded has an obligation


to keep out of the way of the vessel required not to impede if risk
of collision exists.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules


Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility
Rule 9
Narrow Channels

This rule apply to narrow channel connected with the high seas which
is navigable by seagoing vessels. It does not apply to lanes of TSS.

Vessels proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway


should make use of radar and other navigational instrument to
ensure keeping as near as possible to the outer limit.

Small craft and sailing vessels are expected to take early action to
keep clear of vessels which can only navigate within the channel or
fairway.

This rule does not relieve a PD which is restricted to the channel


from her obligation to keep out of the way of a small PD vessel
being overtaken or crossing, or of any sailing vessel, if there is risk
of collision.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules


Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility
Rule 9
Narrow Channels

Vessels engaged in fishing should not impede the passage of other


vessels, including sailing and small PD vessel, navigating within the
channel.

Vessels must not cross a narrow channel or fairway if by doing so


they impede the passage of any other vessel which can safely
navigate only within the channel, if in doubt sound >5 short blasts.

Overtaking in
agreement, _
_

narrow channel can only take place by mutual


_ . (I intend to overtake you on your starboard side)
_ .. (I intend overtake on your port side)

The vessel to be overtaken should indicate agreement ( _ . _ .) and


take actions to permit safe passing.
If unsafe for the other vessel to pass (. . . . .), should
supplemented by VHF to clarify the situation.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules


Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility
Rule 9
Narrow Channels

On approaching a bend, where other vessel may be obscured, a


vessel must sound one prolonged blast. If a signal is heard from
another vessel which is approaching the bend, this must be answered
with a further signal of one prolonged blast. When two PD vessels
approaching from opposite directions, good seamanship that the
vessel stemming the tide to wait until the other has passed and
clear.

A vessel anchored in a narrow channel is likely to impede the safe


passage of other vessels. Thick fog do not justified for anchoring in
a channel or fairway as many vessels do proceed with assistance of
radar.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules


Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility
Rule 10
Traffic separation Schemes

The words and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under
any other rule to means that all other rules of the Colregs continue
to apply to a vessel using a TSS.

TSS is a routeing measure aimed at the separation of opposing


streams of traffic by the establishment of traffic lanes.

A traffic lane is an area within defined limits in which one way


traffic is established.

Separation zone or line separating the traffic lanes, in which ships


are proceeding in opposite directions or separating a traffic lane
from an adjacent sea area.

Inshore Traffic Zone is a designated area between the landward


boundary of a TSS and the adjacent coast.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules

Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility


Rule 10
Traffic separation Schemes

A vessel is using a scheme when she is navigating within the outer


limits of the scheme, and is not crossing the lanes nor engaged in
fishing.

A vessel using an inshore traffic zone is not using the scheme.

Any vessel including sailing vessel and vessel engaged in fishing using
a TSS shall proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general
direction of traffic flow.

A vessel engaged in an operation for the maintenance of safety of


navigation or laying, servicing or picking up of a submarine cable,
within a TSS is exempted from complying with this rule and is not
prohibited from proceeding against the general direction of flow
within a traffic lane if necessary to carry out the operation.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules

Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility


Rule 10
Traffic separation Scheme

A vessel proceeding along a traffic lane in the direction of flow is


required to keep clear of a zone or line separating traffic
proceeding in opposite directions.

A vessel shall cross a traffic lane as nearly as practicable at right


angles to the general direction of traffic flow applies at all times.
It is the heading of the vessel and not the CMG which should be as
nearly as practicable at right angles to the direction of traffic flow.

ITZ established with the intention to keep coastal shipping away


from traffic passing through the adjacent traffic lanes.

A vessel proceeding en route to or from a port, offshore


installation, pilot station or any other place situated within the ITZ
is permitted to use the zone. In addition to vessels <20m in length,
sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing.

Part B Steering and Sailing Rules


Section I Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility
Rule 10
Traffic separation Scheme

A separation zone may only be used by vessels crossing the area


covered by the scheme, by vessels joining or leaving a lane, by
vessels engaged in fishing and by vessels obliged to enter in cases of
emergency to avoid immediate danger.

Caution is necessary when navigating in areas near the terminations


at all times due to the converging and diverging of traffic.

The direction of the wind or stream may cause an anchored vessel


to lie at a broad angle to the traffic flow which causes serious
obstruction to traffic using the narrow traffic lane.

A PD vessel following a lane is not relieved of her obligation to keep


out of the way if there is a risk of collision with small vessels and
sailing vessels.

Yankee-Golf : you appear not to comply with the TSS.

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