RULES OF THE ROAD

Reference Current Edition: COMDTINST M16672.2D Previous Edition (C) from 1999 MORE Revisions, but no new printing

Navigation Rules and Regulations Part A – General (Rules 1-3) Application, Responsibilities and Definitions Part B-Steering and Sailing Rules (Rules 4-19) Section 1- Conduct of Vessels in any condition of visibility Section 2- Conduct of Vessels in sight of one another Section 3- Conduct of Vessels in restricted visibility

Navigation Rules and Regulations Part C- Lights and Shapes (Rules 20-31) Part D- Sound and Light Signals (Rules 32-37) Part E- Exemptions (Rule 38)

Navigation Rules and Regulations Annex I - Positioning and Technical Details of Lights and Shapes Annex II - Additional Signals for Fishing Vessels Fishing in Close Proximity Annex III - Technical Details of Sound Signal Appliances Annex IV -Distress Signals Annex V - Pilot Rules

Navigation Rules and Regulations Interpretive Rules Demarcation Lines Penalty Provisions Alternative Compliance Waters Specified by the Secretary Vessel Bridge to Bridge Radiotelephone Regulations

Rule 1: Applicability Line of Demarcation Annex IV. Demarcation Lines What is the dividing line between International and Inland? Line of Demarcation Annex IV. Demarcation Lines

Rule 2: Responsibility “Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seaman.” General Prudential Rule: the mariner is responsible not only for complying with the Rules but also for avoiding a collision. Special Situations In extremis situations The rules must be obeyed, but they must not be blindly obeyed at the expense of good seamanship. The rules give you no excuse for hitting someone. Rule of Good Seamanship General Prudential Rule Special Situations Rules don’t cover every possible scenario: Ships operating in reverse (TR and LTG collision) Ships that are adrift There is no comprehensive list of IF…THEN’s In Extremis Literally: “at the point of death” or collision imminent Collision can be avoided only by action of both vessels It means one or both of the vessels failed to take the 1st line of preventive measures.

Rule 3: General Definitions Underway Making way Not making way Vessel Power driven vessel Sailing vessel Non-displacement craft Seaplanes Special Conditions Vessel engaged in fishing Not under command Restricted in ability to maneuver Constrained by draft (int’l rules only) Vessel - every description of watercraft (non-displacement craft, seaplanes) that are used or capable of being used as a means of transportation. human/animal powered vessels are not covered under the rules - use Rule #2 (Good seamanship) - still don’t hit them Power- driven vessel - any vessel propelled by machinery Sailing vessel - any vessel under sail (not using engines for propulsion) See ROR for remaining definitions.

Rule 3: Definitions Vessel: includes every description of water craft used or capable of being used as a means on transportation on water. Includes: -Power-driven vessels -Sailboats -Seaplanes -Non-displacement craft

Rule 3: Definitions WIG – “Wing in Ground Craft” Wing-In-Ground (WIG) craft" means a multimodal craft which, in its main operational mode, flies in close proximity to the surface by utilizing surface-effect action. Presently, there are no Coast Guard safety standards for WIG craft.

Rule 3: Definitions Vessel engaged in fishing Vessel engaged in fishing means any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls or other fishing apparatus which restrict maneuverability. Does NOT include vessel engaged in trawling.

Rule 3: Definitions Vessel not under command Vessel not under command means a vessel which through some exceptional circumstances is unable to maneuver to comply with the Rules. Propulsion casualty Steering casualty

Rule 3: Definitions Vessel restricted in ability to maneuver Vessel restricted in ability to maneuver means a vessel which from the nature of her work is unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. Examples: Laying Nav aids Dredging/Surveying UNREP Flight Ops Mine clearance Ops

Rule 3: Definitions Vessel constrained by draft Vessel constrained by draft means a power driven vessel which, because of her draft in relation to the available depth is severely restricted in her ability to deviate from her present course.

Rule 3: Definitions Underway, Not-underway

Rule 4: Application Rule 5: Look-out Application (Rule 4) - Rules in this section apply in Any condition of visibility. Look-out (Rule 5) Maintain Proper Lookout Use all available means Must use sight and hearing Binoculars/Radar Bearing circle/Alidade Night vision devices Also required at anchor

Rule 6: Safe Speed Determinants of Safe Speed Draft of vessel in relation to charted depth Stopping distance and turning ability Presence of background lighting State of winds, sea, and current State of visibility Traffic density A Vessel must proceed at Safe speed “At all times”

Rule 6: Safe Speed Vessels with operational radar should also consider: Characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar set Constraints imposed by range scale in use Effect on radar of sea state, weather or other interference Possibility that small vessels, objects, or ice may not be detected by radar at an adequate range to avoid collision. Number, location, and movement of vessels detected Sailboat several hundred miles out to sea Rough weather, radar didn’t see it, riding in trough of the waves, “Hey, what are those lights?!”

Rule 7: Risk of Collision Every vessel shall use all available means to determine if risk of collision exists. Early use of RADAR to obtain early warning risk of collision Systematic observation Such risk is deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change. CBDR If in doubt, risk should be deemed to exist Do not make assumption that you are safe on the basis of scanty (radar information) Note that a risk of collision may exist even if there is appreciable bearing change evident particularly when approaching a tow, a very large vessel, or at close range.

Rule 7: Risk of Collision Note that a risk of collision may exist even if there is appreciable bearing change evident particularly when approaching a tow, a very large vessel, or at close range.

Rule 8: Action to Avoid Collision Any action taken to avoid collision shall be positive, made in ample time, and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship. Action taken should be large enough to be readily apparent to the other vessel. Action taken to avoid collision with another vessel shall result in passing at a safe distance. The effectiveness of the action shall be carefully checked until the vessel is passed and clear. Two variables can be altered to avoid collision: course and speed. Change course to avoid “close-quarter situations”. Slacken speed or take all way to allow more time to assess the situation. Even if you are the stand on vessel, you still must take action to AVOID COLLISION

Rule 8: Action to Avoid Collision Two variables can be altered to avoid collision: course and speed. Change course to avoid “close-quarter situations”. Slacken speed or take all way to allow more time to assess the situation. Even if you are the stand on vessel, you still must take action to AVOID COLLISION

Rule 9: Narrow Channels Narrow Channels (Rule 9) Stay on the “right” side of the channel Sailing vessels and vessels < 20 meters shall not impede vessels restricted to the channel. Fishing vessels shall not impede other vessels. Crossing vessels shall not impede other vessels. Do not anchor in a channel

Rule 10: Traffic Separation Schemes Traffic Separation schemes my be adopted by the IMO for the purpose of these Rules. Use small angle of approach to enter/depart. Cross the scheme at right angles. You can fish in the lanes as long as you do not impede passage of the other vessels. Small vessels and sailing vessels shall not impede the passage of a power driven vessel in a lane.

Rule 10: Traffic Separation Schemes Vessels not using the traffic separation scheme should avoid it by as wide a margin as possible. Vessels Restricted in their Ability to Maneuver working on the traffic separation scheme or an underwater cable do not have to comply with this rule to the extent that it is necessary to carry out the operation.

Part B-Steering and Sailing Rules (Rules11-18) Section 2- Conduct of Vessels in sight of one another

Rules 11 & 12 Rule 11 – Applicability Rule 12 – Sailing Vessels These rules apply to vessels in sight of one another Rule 12 – Sailing Vessels

Rule 13: Overtaking Requires the overtaking vessel to keep out of the way of the vessel being passed. An overtaking situation exists when a vessel approaches another vessel more than 22.5deg abaft the beam. At night can only see the stern light.

Rule 14: Head On Situation Rule 14 requires both power-driven vessels to maneuver to starboard. A meeting situation exists if two power vessels approach on reciprocal or near reciprocal courses. Determined by your ability to see masthead lights in line or both sidelights or the corresponding aspect during the day

Rule 15: Crossing Situation Rule 15 between POWER-DRIVEN vessels requires the vessel that has the other on its starboard side to keep clear.

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

Rules 16/17: Action by Give-way and Stand-on Vessels Give-way: 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. Stand-on: Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way, the other vessel shall keep her course and speed.

Rules 16/17: Action by Give-way and Stand-on Vessels The stand-on vessel should take action to avoid collision if it is obvious that the give-way vessel is not maneuvering or if collision is so close that action by the give way vessel alone will not avoid collision Normally you should not alter your course to port for a vessel on your port side

Rule 18: Responsibilities Between Vessels Vessels in Sight of One Another Order of Precedence Vessel not under command Restricted in ability to maneuver *Vessel constrained by draft Vessel engaged in fishing Sailing vessels Power driven vessels Seaplanes Wing-in-Ground Craft (WIG) Constrained by draft only in international waters

Part B-Steering and Sailing Rules (Rule 19) Section 3- Conduct of Vessels in restricted visibility

Rule 19: Vessels in Restricted Visibility Applicable to vessels not in sight of one another when operating in or near an area of restricted visibility Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed consistent with visibility conditions A power driven vessel shall have her engines ready for immediate maneuvering

Rule 19: Vessels in Restricted Visibility If a vessel detects another vessel by radar alone, it shall: Determine if a close quarters situation is developing and/or a risk of collision exists Take avoiding action early The following should be AVOIDED Turn to port for a vessel forward of the beam An alteration of course toward a vessel abeam or abaft of beam

Rule 19: Vessels in Restricted Visibility If a vessel hears a fog signal of another vessel forward of her beam or a vessel cannot avoid a close quarters situation with another vessel forward of the beam, it shall: Reduce her speed to bare steerageway If necessary take all way off Navigate with extreme caution until the risk of collision has passed

Part C- Lights and Shapes (Rules 20-31)

Rule 20: Application of Lights and Day shapes Lights shall be displayed: From sunset to sunrise In conditions of restricted visibility In all other circumstances when deemed appropriate Purpose of Lights and Day shapes: Helps determine stand on/give way status. Indicates the occupation of certain vessels. Aids in the determination of target angle and course.

Rule 21:Definitions Rule 22: Visibility of Lights Min Ranges TYPE OF LIGHT COLOR ARC 50M+ 12-50M Masthead white 225 6 nm 5 nm Sidelight red/green 112.5 3 nm 2 nm Sternlight white 135 3 nm 2 nm Towing yellow 135 3 nm 2 nm All around various 360 3 nm 2 nm Flashing - A light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 120 flashes or more per minute. Special Flashing – A yellow light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 50-70 flashes per minute, placed forward and with an arc of 180-225 degrees.

Rule 21:Definitions Masthead light Sternlight Sidelight

Rule 21:Definitions Rule 22: Visibility of Lights

Rule 23: Power-Driven Vessels A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit: (i) a masthead light forward; (225.0 Degrees) (ii) a second masthead light abaft of and higher than the forward one; except that a vessel of less than 50 meters in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such light but may do so; (iii) sidelights; and (iv) a sternlight.

Rule 23: Power-Driven Vessels Air-cushion vessel operating in the non-displacement mode exhibits an all-round flashing yellow light

Rule 23: Power-Driven Vessels In addition to lights prescribed in this rule – a high intensity, all around flashing red light

Rule 24: Towing and Pushing TOWING ASTERN Tow < 200 m: Two masthead lights in vertical line Tow > 200 m: Three masthead lights in vertical line All ships towing display a yellow towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight COMPOSITE UNITS Rigidly connected composite units are treated as a single power driven vessel PUSHING AHEAD/ALONGSIDE Two masthead lights in vertical line INLAND-Two towing lights vice a towing light and sternlight Note that masthead lights are in addition to requirements of rule 23 applicable to ships over 50m in length

Rule 24: Towing and Pushing Lighting the Tow A vessel being towed shall display sidelights and sternlight A vessel being pushed ahead shall display sidelights and (INLAND) a special flashing light A vessel towed alongside shall exhibit sidelights and sternlight and (INLAND) a special flashing light

Rule 24: Towing and Pushing Lighting the Tow Partially submerged object being towed shall display: One all-round white light at the aft end and one at the forward end. Diamond shape at or near the end (if >200m tow, diamond also at the front INTERNATIONAL) Additional lights shall be used so that the distance between any two lights is not greater than 100m. If the object is greater than 25m wide, two (four for INLAND) all-round white lights shall be used to mark the extremities

Power-driven vessel towing astern—length of tow 200meters or less Power-driven vessel towing astern—length of tow 200meters or less. When masthead lights for towing or pushing are exhibited aft, a forward masthead light is required. Same for International.

Power-driven vessel pushing ahead or towing alongside—towing vessel less than 50 meters in length. (INLAND)

Power-driven vessel towing astern—towing vessel less than 50 meters in length; length of tow exceeds 200 meters. Same for Inland.

Dracone being towed

Vessel being towed alongside (INLAND).

Rule 24: Towing and Pushing Dayshapes If the length of tow is greater than 200 m, a diamond shall be displayed on both the vessel towing and the tow where they can best be seen

Rule 25: Sailing Vessels Lights Sidelight and a sternlight Sailing vessels less than 20m in length may combine the lights into one lantern carried where it can best be seen

Rule 25: Sailing Vessels Lights A sailing vessel may also show an all-round red light over an all-round green light in a vertical line near the top of the mast. These lights may not be shown in conjunction with a combination lantern. A vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downward

Rule 25: Sailing Vessels A vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downward

Rule 26: Fishing Vessels A vessel engaged in fishing, whether underway or at anchor, shall exhibit only the lights and shapes prescribed in this Rule.

Rule 26: Fishing Vessels Vessels engaged in trawling shall exhibit: A Green all-round light over a white all-round light If > 50m, a masthead light abaft and higher than the all-round green light When making way, sidelights and a sternlight Dayshape – two cones in vertical alignment with their apexes together

Rule 26: Fishing Vessels Vessels engaged in fishing other than trawling shall exhibit: Red light over a white light vice green over white If outlying gear extends more than 150m horizontally from the vessel, a white all-round light or cone apex upward in the direction of the gear

Rule 26: Fishing Vessels

Rule 27: Vessels Not Under Command Red all-round light over a red all-round light Sternlight and sidelights when making way Dayshape - Two balls in a vertical line

Rule 27: Vessels Restricted in their Ability to Maneuver A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, besides one engaged in mine clearance ops shall exhibit: Red over white over Red all-round lights Sternlight, masthead light or lights, sidelights and sternlight when making way Those lights or dayshapes prescribed in Rule 30 if anchored Note that all round lights are in addition to masthead lights unlike for fishing or for not under command.

Rule 27: Vessels Restricted in their Ability to Maneuver Dayshape – Ball over diamond over ball If also engaged in towing, the vessel shall exhibit those lights required by Rule 24 If an obstruction exists, the vessel shall exhibit: Two all-round red lights or balls to indicated the side on which the obstruction exists Two all-round green lights or diamonds on the side which another vessel may pass When at anchor, these shapes instead of those prescribed in rule 30.

Rule 27: Vessels Restricted in their Ability to Maneuver Small vessel engaged in diving operations shall exhibit: Red over white over red all-round lights Rigid replica of International Code Flag “A” not less than 1 meter in height

Rule 27: Vessels Restricted in their Ability to Maneuver

Rule 27: Vessels Restricted in their Ability to Maneuver - Mine clearance A vessel engaged in mine clearance ops shall exhibit The lights prescribed for a power driven vessel or a vessel at anchor Three all-round green lights or balls one at the foremast head, one on each yardarm This indicates that it is dangerous to approach within 1000 meters

Rule 27: Vessels Restricted in their Ability to Maneuver - Mine clearance

Rule 28: Vessels Constrained by Draft (Inl’t Only) A vessel constrained in her draft may, in addition to the lights prescribed for a power driven vessel, exhibit: Three all-round red lights in a vertical line or A cylinder Note the use of the term “may”

Rule 28: Vessels Constrained by Draft (Inl’t Only)

Rule 29: Pilot Vessel (when engaged in pilotage duty) White all round light over a red all round light When underway, sidelights and sternlight If anchored, additionally those lights prescribed by Rule 30

Rule 30: Vessels Anchored and Vessels Aground A vessel at anchor shall exhibit: An all-round white light or ball in the fore part An all-round white light at or near the stern lower than the light in the fore part Vessel of < 50m may exhibit an all-round white light A vessel >100m in length shall use available lights to illuminate her decks

Rule 30: Vessels Anchored and Vessels Aground

Rule 30: Vessels Anchored and Vessels Aground A vessel aground shall exhibit: Two all-round red lights in a vertical line Three balls in a vertical line An all-round white light or ball in the fore part An all-round white light at or near the stern lower than the light in the fore part Vessel of < 50m may exhibit an all-round white light

Rule 30: Vessels Anchored and Vessels Aground

Part D- Sound and Light Signals (Rules 32-37)

Signals of Action vs. Signals of Intent INTERNATIONAL RULES: *Sound signals for International Rules are signals of action Signals are sounded upon rudder order Exchanged by a power-driven vessel and another vessel Exchanged if vessels are “in sight” and maneuvering is required by the Rules. INLAND RULES: Sound signals for Inland Rules are signals of intent Vessels do not maneuver until signals are agreed upon Exchanged between power-driven vessels only Exchanged if vessels are “in sight” and < ½ nm CPA *Overtaking is signal of intent

Rules 32/33: Definitions and Equipment Whistle: “The word whistle means any sound signaling appliance capable for producing the prescribed blasts” in IAW these Rules. Short Blast ( • ) about 1 second Prolonged Blast ( – ) from 4 to 6 seconds

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals - Meeting International One short blast = “I am altering my course to starboard” Two short blasts = `“I am altering my course to port” Three short blasts = “I am operating astern propulsion” May also use light flashes of an all-round white light one second in duration with interval between flashes about one second and the interval between successive signals shall be not less than ten seconds.

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals - Meeting Inland One short blast = “I intend to leave you on my port side” Two short blasts = “I intend to leave you on my starboard side” Three short blasts = “I am operating astern propulsion” Vessel who hears the one or two blast signals shall signal her agreement by sounding the same signal. If she does not agree, she shall sound the danger signal. May also use light flashes

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals - Meeting

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals- Crossing

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals - Overtaking International When in sight of one another in a narrow channel or fairway: A vessel intending to overtake another shall in compliance with Rule 9(e)(i) indicate her intention by the following signals on her whistle: Two prolonged – one short blast = “I intend to overtake you on your starboard side” Two prolonged – two short blasts= “I intend to overtake you on your port side” Vessel being overtaken signals agreement by sounding one prolonged, one short, one prolonged, one short blast

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals - Overtaking International What is Rule 9(e)(i)? In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking can take place only if the vessel to be overtaken has to take action to permit safe passing, the vessel to be overtaken has to take action to permit safe passing, the vessel intending to overtake shall indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(i). The vessel to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(ii) and take steps to permit safe passing.

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals - Overtaking International Two prolonged – one short blast = “I intend to overtake you on your starboard side” Two prolonged – two short blasts= “I intend to overtake you on your port side” Vessel being overtaken signals agreement by sounding one prolonged, one short, one prolonged, one short blast

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals - Overtaking Inland One short blast = “I intend to overtake you on your starboard side” Two short blasts = “I intend to overtake you on your port side” Vessel being overtaken signals her agreement by sounding the same signal

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals - Overtaking

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals - Danger International and Inland Danger signal = five short blasts When approaching a bend in a channel where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction, sound one prolonged blast. An approaching vessel around the bend replies with a prolonged blast.

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals – Leaving Berth A power driven vessel sounds one prolonged blast when leaving a dock or berth INLAND ONLY

Rule 35: Sound and Light Signals in Restricted Visibility Signals shall be sounded at intervals of not more than two minutes Power-driven vessel making way sounds one prolonged blast A power-driven vessel underway but not making way sounds two prolonged blasts about two seconds apart

Rule 35: Sound and Light Signals in Restricted Visibility Vessels not under command, vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver, vessels constrained by draft, sailing vessels, or a vessel engaged in towing or pushing shall sound one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. Note that fishing vessels or vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver also sound this signal while at anchor.

Rule 35: Sound and Light Signals in Restricted Visibility The last vessel in a tow ( if manned) sounds one prolonged blast followed by three short blasts immediately following the sound signal of the vessel doing the towing.

Rule 35: Sound and Light Signals in Restricted Visibility Vessel at anchor rings the ship’s bell for 5 seconds every one minute. If the vessel is > 100m, then it rings the bell in the forepart and then rings the ship’s gong for 5 seconds in the after part of the vessel. Vessel at anchor may also sound one short, one prolonged, and then one short blast of its whistle to warn approaching vessels.

Rule 35: Sound and Light Signals in Restricted Visibility Vessel aground sounds the bell and gong as required. In addition she gives three distinct strokes of the bell immediately before and after the rapid ringing of the bell.

Rule 36: Signals to Attract Attention If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel, any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorized elsewhere in these Rules.

Rule 37: Distress Signals

Memory Aids “Green over white, trawling at night” “Red over white, fishing at night” “Red over red, captain is dead” “Red over green, sailing machine” “White over Red, pilot ahead”

COLREGS III. Interpretive Rules IV. Demarcation Lines V. Penalty Provisions VI. Alternative Compliance VII. Waters Specified by the Secretary VIII. Vessel Bridge to Bridge Radiotelephone Regulations