1. (Rules 2) Responsibility
Rules of The Road (ROR)
Purpose & Scope
Steering and Sailing Rules
(Rules 1)
Applicability
(Rules 4,5)
Application, Lookout
(Rules 2) Responsibility
(Rules 6)
- Safe Speed
(Rules3) Definitions
(Rules 7)
Risk of Collision 1 2 3 4
(Rules 8)
Action to Avoid Collision

2. Purpose of Scope of the Rules of the Road
Sources:
1972 COLREGS (International Rules)
Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea
Amended in 1983, 1989, 1991 by the IMO
1980 Navigation Rules Act (Inland Rules)
Applies exclusively to US inland waters
NOTE: Navigation Rules have the force of law.

3. Rule 1(a): Applicability
Nav Rules apply based upon a vessel’s location.
COLREGS Line of Demarcation (pg 176/193)
“These rules shall apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels.”

4. 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

5. What is Good Seamanship?
A. Turn around and go the other way.
B. Speed up and pass vessel B on her starboard side.
C. Overtake Vessel B on her port side after signaling.
D. Slow down and stay behind Vessel B.

6. Rule 3: Definitions Vessel
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
“Power driven vessel”

7. 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 trolling.

8. 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.
Examples:
Propulsion casualty
Steering casualty

9. 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 navaids
Dredging/Surveying
UNREP
Flight Ops
Mineclearance Ops

10. 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

11. Rule 6: Safe Speed
“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.”
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
Radar limitations

12. Rule 7: Risk of Collision
“Such risk is deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change.”
Every vessel shall use all available means to determine if risk of collision exists.
Early use of RADAR
Systematic observation

13. 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 must be positive and timely.
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.

14. THE END,
HAVE A NICE DAY !