Vessel Navigation Rules

Vessel Navigation

• Rule 1: Application of COLREG rules
  • COLREG rules apply to all vessels, including sailing vessels, on the high seas and in all waters connected to the high seas
  • COLREG rules also apply to vessels in territorial waters, but may be modified by local authorities
• Rule 2: Responsibility of vessel operators
  • Vessel operators are responsible for complying with COLREG rules
  • Vessel operators must take all necessary steps to prevent collisions and avoid endangering other vessels or persons

Safe Speed

• Rule 6: Safe Speed
  • Vessels must operate at a safe speed, taking into account:
    • Visibility (including weather and lighting conditions)
    • Traffic density (including vessels and other obstacles)
    • Water conditions (including currents and sea state)
    • Vessel's maneuverability and stopping distance
  • Vessels must be able to stop or alter course in a reasonable time to avoid a collision

Vessel Traffic Services

• Rule 10: Vessel Traffic Services
  • Vessel traffic services (VTS) are systems that provide information and assistance to vessels to prevent collisions and groundings
  • VTS may include:
    • Navigation assistance
    • Traffic monitoring
    • Warning and advisory services
  • Vessels must comply with VTS instructions and recommendations

Risk Of Collision

• Rule 7: Risk of Collision
  • A vessel must take action to avoid a collision if it becomes apparent that a collision is likely to occur
  • The vessel must take action in accordance with the COLREG rules and in a way that minimizes the risk of collision
  • The vessel must also take into account the actions of other vessels and the prevailing circumstances

Traffic Separation Schemes

• Rule 10: Traffic Separation Schemes
  • Traffic separation schemes (TSS) are established to separate vessels into different lanes or channels to reduce the risk of collision
  • Vessels must comply with TSS and use the designated lanes or channels
  • TSS may include:
    • Separation zones
    • Inshore traffic zones
    • Recommended traffic lanes

Vessel Navigation

• COLREG rules apply to all vessels on the high seas and in all waters connected to the high seas
• COLREG rules also apply to vessels in territorial waters, but may be modified by local authorities
• Vessel operators are responsible for complying with COLREG rules
• Vessel operators must take all necessary steps to prevent collisions and avoid endangering other vessels or persons

Safe Speed

• Vessels must operate at a safe speed, considering:
  • Visibility (weather and lighting conditions)
  • Traffic density (vessels and other obstacles)
  • Water conditions (currents and sea state)
  • Vessel's maneuverability and stopping distance
• Vessels must be able to stop or alter course in a reasonable time to avoid a collision

Vessel Traffic Services

• Vessel traffic services (VTS) provide information and assistance to vessels to prevent collisions and groundings
• VTS may include:
  • Navigation assistance
  • Traffic monitoring
  • Warning and advisory services
• Vessels must comply with VTS instructions and recommendations

Risk Of Collision

• A vessel must take action to avoid a collision if it becomes apparent that a collision is likely to occur
• The vessel must take action in accordance with the COLREG rules and in a way that minimizes the risk of collision
• The vessel must also take into account the actions of other vessels and the prevailing circumstances

Traffic Separation Schemes

• Traffic separation schemes (TSS) separate vessels into different lanes or channels to reduce the risk of collision
• Vessels must comply with TSS and use the designated lanes or channels
• TSS may include:
  • Separation zones
  • Inshore traffic zones
  • Recommended traffic lanes