COLREG and R.O.R. ALAM/PNSD/DNS SEM. 2 VER.2/CKC Quiz

General Rules

• International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG) apply to all vessels on the high seas and in all waters connected to the high seas.
• Special rules made by an appropriate authority for roadsteads, harbors, rivers, lakes, or inland waterways must conform to COLREG as closely as possible.
• Due regard must be had to all dangers of navigation and collision, and to any special circumstances that may make a departure from COLREG necessary to avoid immediate danger.

Definitions

• A vessel includes every description of watercraft, including non-displacement craft and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.
• A power-driven vessel is any vessel propelled by machinery.
• A sailing vessel is any vessel under sail, provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used.

Responsibility

• Nothing in COLREG exonerates any vessel, or the owner, master, or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with COLREG or of the neglect of any precaution required by the ordinary practice of seamen or by the special circumstances of the case.
• Examples of ordinary practice of seamen include:
  • Passing other vessels at anchorage by passing astern of them.
  • Changing to hand (manual) steering in congested waters.
  • Ensuring a good and clear swinging circle when coming to an anchorage area.
  • Vessels stem the tide having to wait and give way to vessels having tide from astern in narrow channels.
• Examples of special circumstances of the case include:
  • Vessel not under command (NUC) overtaking – own ship which is not under command has to take action to avoid collision.