colregs rules

Question 2

Rule 5 Look - out

Answer 2

Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision

Question 3

Rule 6 intro

Answer 3

Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

Question 4

Rule 6 In determining… part (a) by all vessels

Answer 4

In determining a safe speed the following factors should be among those taken into account; a) By all vessels

• The state of visibility
• The traffic density including concentrations of fishing vessels or any other vessels
• The maneuverability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing circumstances
• At night the presence of background light such as from shore lights or from back scatter of her own lights v) the state of wind, sea, current, and the proximity of navigational hazards
• The draft in relation to the available depth of water

Question 5

Rule 6 part (b) Additionally……..

Answer 5

Additionally by vessels with operational radar

• The characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment
• Any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use
• The effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather and other sources of interference
• The possibility that small vessels ice and other floating objects may not be detected by radar at an adequate range
• The number location and movements of vessels detected by radar
• The more exact assessment of the visibility that may be possible when radar is used to determine the range of vessels or other objects in the vicinity

Question 6

Rule 7 (a)

Answer 6

Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt, such risk shall be deemed to exist

Question 7

Rule 7 (b)

Answer 7

Proper use shall be made of radar equipment, if fitted and operational, including long range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects

Question 8

Rule 7 (c)

Answer 8

Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information.

Question 9

Rule 7 (d)

Answer 9

In determining if risk of collision exists the following considerations shall be among those taken into account

• such risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change
• such risk may sometimes exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel or a tow or when approaching a vessel at close range

Question 10

Rule 8 (a)

Answer 10

Any action taken to avoid collision shall be taken in accordance withe the rules of this part and shall if the circumstances of the case admit,be POSITIVE, made in AMPLE time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship

Question 11

Rule 8 (b)

Answer 11

Any alteration of course and / or speed to avoid collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or by radar; a succession of small alterations of course and / or speed should be avoided

Question 12

Rule 8 (c)

Answer 12

If there is sufficient sea-room, alteration of course alone may be the most effective action to avoid a close-quarters situation provided it is made in GOOD TIME, is SUBSTANTIAL and does not result in another close quarters situation

Question 13

Rule 8 (d)

Answer 13

Action taken to avoid collision with another vessel shall be such as to result in passing at a safe distance. The effectiveness of the action shall be carefully checked until the other vessel is finally past and clear.

Question 14

Rule 8 (e)

Answer 14

If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the situation, a vessel shall slacken her speed or take all way off by stopping or reversing her means of propulsion

Question 15

Rule 8 (f)

Answer 15

• A vessel which, by any of these rules is required not to impede the passage, or safe passage of another vessel shall, when required by the circumstances of the case, take early action to allow sufficient sea-room for the safe passage of the other vessel
• A vessel required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another vessel is not relieved of this obligation if approaching the other vessel so as to involve risk of collision and shall, when taking action, have full regard to the action which may be required by the rules of this part
• A vessel, the passage of which is not to be impeded remains fully obliged to comply with the rules of this part when the two vessels are approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision

Question 16

Rule 9 (a)

Answer 16

A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable

Question 17

Rule 9 (b) and (c)

Answer 17

a) A vessel of less than 20m in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway
b) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway

Question 18

Rule 9 (d)

Answer 18

A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway. The latter vessel may use (5 short blasts) if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel

Question 19

Rule 9 (e)

Answer 19

• In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking can take place only if the vessel being overtaken has to take action to permit safe passing, the vessel intending to overtake shall indicate her intentions by sounding the appropriate signal (–. or –..)The vessel to be overtaken shall if in agreement sound (-.-.) and take steps to permit safe passing. If in doubt she may sound (…..)
• This rule does not relieve the overtakingvesse of her obligation under rule 13

Question 20

Rule 9 (f)

Answer 20

A vessel nearing a bend or an area of narrow channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall navigate with particular alertnes and caution and shall sound the appropriate sound signal (-)

Question 21

Rule 9 (g)

Answer 21

Any vessel shall if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.

Question 22

Rule 10 (a)

Answer 22

a) This rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the Organisation and does not relieve any vessel of her obligations under any other rule

Question 23

Rule 10 (b) A vessel using….

Answer 23

b) A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall

• proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of the traffic flow for that lane
• so far as practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone
• normally join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane, but when joining or leaving from either side shall do so at as small an angle to the general direction of the traffic flow as practicable

Question 24

Rule 10 (c) Crossing…

Answer 24

A vessel shall, so far as practicable, avoid crossing traffic lanes but if obliged to do so, shall cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow

Question 25

Rule 10 (d) Inshore zone…

Answer 25

• A vessel shall not use an inshore traffic zone when she can safely use the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent traffic separation scheme. However vessels of less than 20m in length, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing may use the inshore traffic zone.
• Notwithstanding sub paragraph (d)(i) a vessel may use an inshore traffic zone when en route to or from a port, offshore installation or structure, pilot station or any other place situated within the inshore traffic zone or to avoid immediate danger

Question 26

Rule 10 (e) Separation zone

Answer 26

A vessel other than a crossing vessel or a vessel joining or leaving a lane shall not normally enter a seperation zone or cross a separation line except ## Footnote * in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger * to engage in fishing within a separation zone

Question 27

Rule 10 (f) Near terminations

Answer 27

A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of traffic separation schemes shall do so with particular caution

Question 28

Rule 10 (g) Anchoring

Answer 28

A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid anchoring in a traffic separation scheme or in areas near its terminations

Question 29

Rule 10 (h) Not using

Answer 29

A vessel not using a traffic separation scheme shall avoid it by as wide a margin as is practicable

Question 30

Rule 10 (i) & (j)

Answer 30

* A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane * A vessel of less than 20m in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power driven vessel following a traffic lane.

Question 31

Rule 10 (k) & (l) RAM

Answer 31

k) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an operation for the maintenance of safety of navigation in a traffic separation scheme is exempted from complying with this rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation l) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an operation for the laying, servicing or picking up of a submarine cable, within a traffic separation scheme is exempted from complying with this rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation

Question 32

Rule 13 (a) Overtaking

Answer 32

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

Question 33

Rule 13 (b) & (c) when?

Answer 33

b) A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her 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 c) When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether she is overtaking, she shall assume that this is the case and act accordingly

Question 34

Rule 13 (d) keep clear

Answer 34

Any subsequent alteration of the bearing 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

Question 35

Rule 14 (a) Head on situation

Answer 35

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.

Question 36

Rule 14 (b) & (c) When?

Answer 36

b) Such a situation shall be deemed to exist when a vessel see the other ahead or nearly ahead and by night she would see the mast head lights of the other in a line or nearly in a line or both sidelights and by day she observes the corresponding aspect of the other vessel. c) When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether such a situation exists she shall assume that it does and act accordingly

Question 37

Rule 15 Crossing situation

Answer 37

When two power driven vessels are crossing so as to involve a 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

Question 38

Rule 16 Action by give way vessel

Answer 38

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.

Question 39

Rule 17 Action by stand on vessel (a)

Answer 39

a) ## Footnote * Were one of two vessels is to keep out of the way the other shall keep her course and speed * 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 compliance with these rules

Question 40

Rule 17 (b)

Answer 40

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 avoid collision

Question 41

Rule 17 (c) & (d)

Answer 41

c) A power driven vessel which takes action in a crossing situation in accordance with sub paragraph (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 d) This rule does not relieve the give way vessel of her obligation to keep out of the way

Question 42

Rule 18 (a) (b) (c)

Answer 42

Except where rules 9, 10 and 13 otherwise require; PDV underway shall keep out of the way of: NUC, RAM, Fishing, Sailing; Sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of: NUC, RAM, Fishing; Fishing vessel underway so far as possible shall keep out of the way of NUC, RAM

Question 43

Rule 18 (d) C by D

Answer 43

* Any vessel other than a NUC or RAM shall if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draught * A vessel constrained by her draught shall navigate with particular caution having full regard to her particular condition

Question 44

Rule 18 (e) & (f) Seaplane / WIG

Answer 44

e) A seaplane on the water shall in general keep well clear of other vessels and avoid impeding their navigation. In circumstances, however, where risk of collision exists, she shall comply with the rules of this part f) * A WIG craft shall, when taking off, landing, and in flight near the surface, keep well clear of all other vessels and avoid impeding their navigation * A WIG craft operating on the water surface shall comply with the rules of this part as a power driven vessel

Question 45

Rule 19 (a) When / who

Answer 45

This rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility

Question 46

Rule 19 (b) speed

Answer 46

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.

Question 47

Rule 19 (c)

Answer 47

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 (Rules 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)

Question 48

Rule 19 (d) & (e) Action

Answer 48

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 forward of the beam, other than for a vessel being overaken ii) an alteration of course towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam e) Except where it has been determined that the risk of collision does not exist, every vessel which hears, apparently forward of her beam the fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close quarters situation with another vessel forward of her beam, shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course. She shall if necessary take ll her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over

Question 49

Rule 12 Sailing vessels

Answer 49

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 ## Footnote * when each 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 * 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 * if a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine 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 purpose of this rule the windward side shall be deemed to be the side opposite to 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