Vessel Navigation Rules

Study Notes

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

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

Description

Test your knowledge of COLREG rules, including application, vessel operator responsibilities, and collision prevention. Learn about the rules that govern vessel navigation on high seas and territorial waters.