1. INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISION AT SEA
2009

2. Collision Regulations

3. General Points Every vessel has a responsibility to avoid collisions.
If every vessel follows the rules, there cannot be a collision.
Even if these rules require another vessel to keep out of your way, you must be ready to take action yourself.
If you are in a collision, you will always be partly to blame.

4. General Points
All actions must be clear, in good time, and large enough so other vessels will understand your intentions.
Generally alterations of course are more obvious than alterations of speed, but never hesitate to slow down to give yourself thinking time or more room.

5. Night Vision
At night keep lighting within your own vessel to a minimum; it preserves your night vision.
Only use spotlights where it is vital to pick up an unlit object (mooring buoys for instance).
Respect other people’s night vision.

6. Extra Care at Night
Many navigation aids are unlit, and there are many other potential hazards, so keep your speed down.

7. RCM-SAR Requirements The RCM-SAR requires that at all times:
1. radar, if available, is to be in use, unless alongside another vessel
2. appropriate navigation lights are displayed
3. If in doubt stop, assess, plan

8. Conduct of Vessels in Any Type of Visibility
Section I - Rules 4 to10
Conduct of Vessels in Any Type of Visibility

9. Rule 5 - Lookout
You must keep a good lookout with eyes and ears at all times.
This includes poor visibility and nighttime.

10. Rule 6 - Safe Speed
You should travel at a speed that gives you adequate time to assess and plan the manoeuvre to avoid collision.
Some of the factors that might cause you to slow down are:
visibility,
volume of traffic,
background lighting,
water depth

11. Rule 7 - Risk of Collision
Frequently assess all the vessels in the vicinity of your vessel to see if they are likely to come close.
If the compass bearing of another vessel does not change much, i.e. is steady, you are on, or nearly on, a collision course.
A bearing (true or compass) is the ONLY way to assess risk of collision.

12. Rule 8 - Action to Avoid Collision
Any action you now take, must comply with these rules, and must be obvious to the other vessel, and result in the two vessels passing well clear of each other.

13. Rule 9 - Narrow Channels
In narrow channels, all vessels should keep to the starboard side of the channel.

14. Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes
Traffic shall follow the traffic separation scheme where one is designated.
Where you are outside it, you should avoid it.
If you have to cross it you have to cross it as near right angles as possible.
A vessel less than 20 metres in length shall not impede a ship in a separation scheme.

15. Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes
Good courses in or near separation schemes

16. Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes
Bad courses in or near separation schemes

17. Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another
Section II - Rules 11 to 18
Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another

18. Collision Regulations
Section II - Conduct of vessels in sight of one another
Rule 11 Application
Rule 12 Sailing Vessels
Rule 13 Overtaking
Rule 14 Head-on
Rule 15 Crossing Situations
Rule 16 Action by the Give-way Vessel
Rule 17 Action by the Stand-on Vessel
Rule 18 Responsibilities Between Vessels

19. Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels Wind on different sides
When sailing vessels have the wind on different sides, the vessel that has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other.
A keeps clear of B.

20. Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels
If a sailing vessel with the wind on the port side sees a sailing vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other sailing vessel has the wind on the port or starboard side, it shall keep out of the way.

21. Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels Wind on the same sides
When both sailing vessels have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is the closest to the wind (windward) shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward.
B keeps clear of A.

22. Rule 13 - Overtaking This rule overrides all the other give-way rules.
The overtaking vessel (even if sailing) must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.
You can pass on either side of the vessel, but keep well clear – the other vessel may not have seen you.
If you are being overtaken, hold your course and speed until the other vessel is past and well clear.

23. Rule 14 - Head on Both vessels must alter course to starboard.
If the other vessel turns the wrong way, you should turn even more to starboard, slow down, or stop your vessel.

24. Rule 15 - Crossing Situation
If the other vessel is on your starboard side it has right of way and you must keep clear: you must either turn to starboard, slow down to let the other vessel pass ahead of you – or do both.
A gives way to B

25. Rule 15 - Crossing Situation
If the other vessel is on your port side, you have right of way and should hold your course and speed. However, if you think the other vessel is leaving it too late, you have to take action yourself. The “right rule” still applies: if you alter course, alter to starboard. Or you can slow down, or do both.

26. Rules 13-15: Vessels in Sight and in Risk of Collision (Review)

27. Rule 16: Give-way Vessel
Take early and substantial action to stay out of the way of the stand-on vessel.

28. Rule 17: Stand-on Vessel Maintain course and speed.
Sound 5 short rapid blasts.
Take action if the give-way is not taking substantial action to avoid collision.
If risk of collision exists and if circumstances allow, avoid altering course to port.
If collision is imminent, any action that will avoid collision or mitigate it, is permitted.

29. Rule 18: Responsibilities Between Vessels
Vessels in order of priority
Vessel not under command
Restricted in ability to maneuver
Vessel constrained by draft
Vessel engaged in fishing
Sailing vessels
Power driven vessels
Seaplanes

30. Rule 18 - Power meets sail
In general, power vessels have to keep out of the way of sailing and fishing vessels, and vessels that are hampered by such tasks as dredging, cable laying and so on.

31. Operating rule
Port: If a power-driven vessel approaches within this sector maintain your course and speed with caution.
Starboard: If any vessel approaches within this sector, keep out of its way. (Note: This rule may not always apply if one or both vessels are sailboats.)
Stern: If any vessel approaches this sector, maintain your course and speed with caution.

32. The RIGHT rule The RIGHT rule is: look to the right;
give way to the right;
turn to the right; and
stay to the right.

33. Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
Section III - Rule 19
Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility

34. Rule 19: Restricted Visibility
This rule applies when navigating in or NEAR an area of restricted visibility.

35. Rule 19 - Restricted Visibility
Restricted visibility any condition that reduces visibility, and includes fog, heavy rain, snow, hail, sandstorms, etc.
Fog is common on the coast of British Columbia. A good lookout becomes even more vital.
Slow down and be ready to stop if you sight another vessel or hear a fog signal.

36. Rule 19: Restricted Visibility
For fog signals heard forward of the beam, reduce speed to minimum steerageway and navigate cautiously.
Actions to take on hearing a fog signal forward of the beam can shown as:

38. Part C - Lights and Shapes

39. Navigation Lights
Vessels that operate from sunset to sunrise, whether at anchor or underway, must carry and exhibit the correct lights.
A vessel is underway when not anchored, moored to the shore or aground.
Navigation lights must also be displayed during daylight hours in periods of restricted visibility.
All vessels must comply with the regulations concerning lighting.

40. Navigation Lights 1. Masthead light 2. Port side light
3. Starboard side light
4. Stern light
5. Towing light

41. Navigation Shapes Vessels towing, and also on the tow
Deep draft vessels
Vessel under sails but using machinery to propel
Vessels at anchor

42. Navigation Shapes All fishing vessels
In addition in the direction of her gear or nets

43. Navigation Shapes Vessel not under command Vessel engaged
in mine clearance

44. Navigation Shapes Vessel restricted in ability to manoeuvre
Safe side to pass
Side with obstruction

45. Navigation Shapes
Vessel aground

46. Navigation Shapes
Vessel operating divers

47. Part D - Sound and Light Signals
Rule 32 - Definitions
Rule 34 - Manoeuvring and Warning Signals
Rule 35 - Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
Rule 36 - Signals to Attract Attention
Rule 37 - Distress Signals
Annexes I -V

48. Rule 32 - Definitions Sound signals for signals of action
Signals are sounded upon rudder order
Exchanged by any vessel in proximity to another vessel
Exchanged if vessels are “in sight” and manoeuvring is required

49. Rule 32 - Definitions Short Blast- about one second duration
Long Blast second duration

50. Rule 33 - Equipment for Sound Signals
Vessels < 100m in length: whistle and bell
Vessels >= 100m in length: whistle, bell, and gong
Vessels < 12m in length: some type of sound signaling device

51. Rule 34 - Manoeuvring and Warning Signals
Sound signals can be used by any vessel to indicate an action they are about to take:
One short blast: I am altering course to starboard.
Two short blasts: I am altering course to port.
Three short blasts: My engines are going astern.

52. Rule 34 - Manoeuvring and Warning Signals
Five short blasts:
Officially - I am unsure of your intentions;
Practically - you are not following the rules;
or “wake up you ***** idiot”.

53. Rule 34: Manoeuvring and Warning Signals - Overtaking
An overtaking situation exists when a vessel approaches another vessel more than 22.5o abaft the beam of the overtaken vessel.

54. Rule 34: Manoeuvring and Warning Signals- Crossing
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.

55. Rule 34: Manoeuvring and Warning Signals - Meeting
A meeting situation exists if two power vessels approach on reciprocal or near reciprocal courses.

56. Rule 34 - Manoeuvring and Warning Signals
Vessel shall sound one long blast when coming to blind turn
BC Ferry in Active Pass

57. Rule 35 - Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
Power driven vessel underway and making way (T)
Power driven vessel underway and not making way (stopped in the water) (M)

58. Rule 35 - Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
Vessel not under command, restricted in ability to manoeuvre, sailing, fishing or towing (D)
Last vessel of a tow (B)

59. Rule 35 - Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
Pilot vessel on duty (H)

60. Rule 35 - Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
Vessels at anchor, including vessel working at anchor
Bell ringing for 5 second.
If more than 100 metres
Bell ringing for 5 seconds forward then gong sounded for 5 seconds aft.
In addition may sound (R)

61. Rule 35 - Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
Vessels aground
Bell - Bell- Bell -Bell ringing for 5 seconds - Bell - Bell - Bell.
Vessel aground if more than 100 metres
Bell - Bell- Bell -Bell ringing for 5 seconds - Bell - Bell - Bell, then gong sounded for 5 seconds aft.

62. Rule 35 - Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
Vessels less than 12 metres in length shall make an efficient sound signal at least every 2 minutes.

63. Rule 36 - Signals to Attract Attention
If a vessel needs to attract the attention of another vessel she may use a searchlight to show direction of a danger.
However any signal must be such as not to be confused with a navigational aid, so flashing lights or strobes are not to be used.

64. Rule 37 - Distress Signals
VHF-DSC
MAYDAY
Two tone alarm
. . . _ _ _ (SOS)