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Rules of The Road (ROR)

Purpose & Scope

( R u l e s 1 )A p p l i c a b i l i t y

( R u l e s 2 ) Responsibility

( R u l e s 3 ) D e fi n i ti o n s

Steering and Sailing Rules

( R u l e s 4 , 5 )Application, Lookout

( R u l e s 6 )- Safe Speed

( R u l e s 7 )Risk of Collision

( R u l e s 8 )Action to Avoid

Collision

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Purpose of Scope of the Rules of the Road

Sources:1972 COLREGS (International Rules)

Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at SeaAmended 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.

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.”

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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

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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.

What is Good Seamanship?

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Rule 3: DefinitionsVessel

• 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”

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Rule 3: DefinitionsVessel 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.

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Rule 3: DefinitionsVessel 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

Rule 3: DefinitionsVessel 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

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Rule 4: ApplicationRule 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

• “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

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

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.