Term
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Definition
| The word "vessel" includes every description of watercraft, including non-displacement craft, WIG craft, and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water. |
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Term
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Definition
| any vessel propelled by machinery |
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Term
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Definition
| any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used. |
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Term
| vessel engaged in fishing |
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Definition
| any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing apparatus which restrict maneuverability, but does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing apparatus which do not restrict maneuverability. |
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Term
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Definition
| includes any aircraft designed to maneuver on the water |
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Term
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Definition
| a vessel which through some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. |
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Term
| vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver |
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Definition
a vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to maneuver as required by these Rules & is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. Shall include but not be limited to:
(i) A vessel engaged in laying, servicing, or picking up a navigational mark, submarine cable or pipeline;
(ii) A vessel engaged in dredging, surveying or underwater operations;
(iii) A vessel engaged in replenishment or transferring persons, provisions or cargo while underway;
(iv) A vessel engaged in the launching or recovery of aircraft;
(v) A vessel engaged in mine clearance operations;
(vi) A vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course. |
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Term
| vessel constrained by her draf |
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Definition
| a power-driven vessel which because of her draft in relation to the available depth and width of navigable water is severely restricted in her ability to deviate from the course she is following |
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Term
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Definition
| a vessel is not at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground |
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Term
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Definition
| her length overall and greatest breadth. |
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Term
| Vessels shall be deemed to be in sight of one another |
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Definition
| only when one can be observed visually from the other. |
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Term
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Definition
| any condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms, or any other similar causes. |
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Term
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Definition
| a multimodal craft which, in its main operational mode, flies in close proximity to the surface by utilizing surface-effect action. |
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Term
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Definition
| INLAND means the Mississippi River, its tributaries, South Pass, and Southwest Pass, to the navigational demarcation lines {30 CFR 80} dividing the high seas from harbors, rivers and other inland waters of the United States, and the Port Allen-Morgan City Alternate Route, and that part of the Atchafalaya River above its junction with the Port Allen-Morgan City Alternate Route including the Old River and the Red River. |
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Term
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Definition
| INLAND means the Great Lakes and their connecting tributary waters including the Calumet River as far as the Thomas J. O'Brien Lock and Controlling Waters (between mile 326 and 327), the Chicago River as far as the east side of the Ashland Avenue Bridge (between mile 321 and 322), and the Saint Lawrence River as far east as the lower exit of Saint Lambert Lock. |
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Term
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Definition
| INLAND means the navigable waters of the United States shoreward of the navigational demarcation lines {30 CFR 80} dividing the high seas from harbors, rivers and other inland waters of the United States and the waters of the Great Lakes on the United States side of the International Boundary. |
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Term
| "Waters specified by the Secretary |
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Definition
| defined in 33 CFR 89.25”, means the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, and the following specified waters: (a) Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, (b) Tombigbee River, (c) Black Warrior River, (d) Alabama River, (e) Coosa River, (f) Mobile River above the Cochrane Bridge at St Louis Point, (g) Flint River, (h) Chattahoochee River, and, (i) the Apalachicola River above its confluence with the Jackson River. |
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Term
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Definition
General
Rule 1 - Application
Rule 2 - Responsibility
Rule 3 - Definitions |
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Term
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Definition
Responsibility
(a) 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 seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.
(b) In construing and complying with these Rules due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger. |
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Term
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Definition
Steering & Sailing Rules
3 Sections Rules 4-19 |
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Term
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Definition
Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
Rule 4 - Application
Rule 5 - Look-Out
Rule 6 - Safe Speed
Rule 7 - Risk of Collision
Rule 8 - Action to Avoid Collision
Rule 9 - Narrow Channels
Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes |
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Term
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Definition
Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another
Rule 11 - Application
Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels
Rule 13 - Overtaking
Rule 14 - Head-on Situation
Rule 15 - Crossing Situation
Rule 16 - Action by Give-way Vessel
Rule 17 - Action by Stand-on Vessel
Rule 18 - Responsibilities Between Vessels |
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Term
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Definition
Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
Rule 19 - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility |
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Term
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Definition
| Lights & Shapes, Rules 20-31 |
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Term
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Definition
| Sound and Light Signals, Rules 32-37 |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| VERIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONVENTION {COLREGS only) Rules 39-41 |
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Term
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Definition
| Positioning And Technical Details of Lights and Shapes |
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Term
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Definition
| Technical Details of Sound Appliances |
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Term
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Definition
| Distress Signals {at Rule 37} |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Annex II - Additional Signals for Fishing Vessels Fishing in Close Proximity {at Rule 26(f)} |
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Term
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Definition
| Application - Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility - Rules in this Section apply to any condition of visibility |
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Term
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Definition
Look-out
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing
as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and
conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of
collision. |
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Term
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Definition
| 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. In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those taken into account |
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Term
| Rule 6 factors for all vessels |
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Definition
(i) The state of visibility;
(ii) The traffic density including concentrations of fishing vessels or any other vessels;
(iii) The maneuverability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions;
(iv) At night, the presence of background light such as from shore lights or from back scatter from her own lights;
(v) The state of wind, sea and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards;
(vi) The draft in relation to the available depth of water. |
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Term
| Rule 6 factors for vessels with radar |
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Definition
(i) The characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment;
(ii) Any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use;
(iii) The effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather and other sources of interference;
(iv) The possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating objects may not be detected by radar at an adequate range;
(v) The number, location and movement of vessels detected by radar;
(vi) The more exact assessment of the visibility that may be possible when radar is used to determine the range of vessels or other objects in the vicinity. |
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Term
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Definition
Rule 7 - Risk of Collision Return to the top of the page
(a) Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist. |
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Term
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Definition
| Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational, including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects. |
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Term
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Definition
| Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information |
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Term
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Definition
In determining if risk of collision exists the following considerations shall be among those taken into account:
(i) Such risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change.
(ii) Such risk may sometimes exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel or a tow or when approaching a vessel at close range |
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Term
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Definition
Action to Avoid Collision
(a) Any action taken to avoid collision shall be taken in accordance with Rules 4-19 and shall if the circumstances of the case admit, be positive, made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship. |
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Term
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Definition
Narrow Channels
(a) ‹‹(i)›› A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable. |
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Term
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Definition
Traffic Separation Schemes
(a) This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes ‹ adopted by the Organization › and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other rule.
(b) A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall:
(i) Proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane.
(ii) So far as is practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone.
(iii) Normally join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane, but when joining or leaving from either side shall do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable |
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Term
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Definition
Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another
Rule 11 - Application
Rules 11-18 apply to vessels in sight of one another |
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Term
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Definition
| For the purposes of this Rule, the windward side shall be deemed to be the side opposite that on which the mainsail is carried or, in the case of a square-rigged vessel, the side opposite to that on which the largest fore-and-aft sail is carried. |
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Term
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Definition
Sailing vessels
(a) When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows:
(i) when each has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other;
(ii) when both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward;
(iii) if a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or on the starboard side, she shall keep out of the way of the other. |
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Term
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Definition
Overtaking
Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules 4-18, any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. |
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Term
| When does overtaking take place |
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Definition
| (b) A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with a another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam, that is, in such a position with reference to the vessel she is overtaking, that at night she would be able to see only the sternlight of that vessel but neither of her sidelights. |
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Term
| What do you do if in doubt of overtaking |
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Definition
| When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether she is overtaking another, she shall assume that this is the case and act accordingly. |
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Term
| What happens as the overtaking vessel changes bearing |
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Definition
| Any subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels shall not make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the meaning of these Rules or relieve her of the duty of keeping clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear. |
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Term
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Definition
Rule 14 - Head-on Situation
(a) Unless otherwise agreed- when 2 power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision each shall alter her course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other |
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Term
| When is Head-on deemed to exist? |
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Definition
| Such a situation shall be deemed to exist when a vessel sees the other ahead or nearly ahead and by night she could see the masthead lights of the other in a line or nearly in a line and/or both sidelights and by day she observes the corresponding aspect of the other vessel. |
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Term
| What do you do if in doubt about a Head-on situation exists? |
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Definition
| When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether such a situation exists she shall assume that it does exist and act accordingly. |
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Term
| What is Head-on for Inland Waters |
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Definition
| (d) Notwithstanding Rule 14(a), a power-driven vessel operating on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or waters specified by the Secretary, and proceeding downbound with a following current shall have the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, shall propose the manner of passage, and shall initiate the maneuvering signals prescribed by Rule 34(a)(i), as appropriate |
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Term
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Definition
Crossing Situation
(a) When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel. |
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Term
| What is the inland crossing rule |
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Definition
| (b) Notwithstanding Rule 15(a), on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or water specified by the Secretary, a power-driven vessel crossing a river shall keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel ascending or descending the river. |
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Term
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Definition
Action by Give-way Vessel
Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear. |
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Term
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Definition
Rule 17- Action by Stand-on Vessel
(a)(i) Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way, the other shall keep her course and speed.
(ii) The latter vessel may, however, take action to avoid collision by her maneuver alone, as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action in compliance with these Rules. |
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Term
| What is the stand-on vessels obligation to avoid collision |
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Definition
When, from any cause, the vessel required to keep her course and speed finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, she shall take such action as will best aid to avoid collision
(c) A power-driven vessel which takes action in a crossing situation in accordance with Rule 17(a)(ii) to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, not alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side.
(d) This Rule does not relieve the give-way vessel of her obligation to keep out of the way. |
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Term
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Definition
| Rule 18 - Responsibilities Between Vessels |
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Term
| Rule 18 Power Driven Vessel Underway |
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Definition
Except where Rules 9, 10, and 13 otherwise require:
A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:
(i) a vessel not under command;
(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;
(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing;
(iv) a sailing vessel. |
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Term
| Rule 18 A Sailing Vessel Underway |
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Definition
Except where Rules 9, 10, and 13 otherwise require:
A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:
(i) a vessel not under command;
(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;
(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing |
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Term
| Rule 18 A Vessel engaged in fishing |
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Definition
Except where Rules 9, 10, and 13 otherwise require:
A vessel engaged in fishing when underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of:
(i) a vessel not under command;
(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver |
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Term
| Rule 18 A vessel constrained by draft |
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Definition
d)(i) Any vessel other than a vessel not under command or a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draft, exhibiting the signals in Rule 28.
(ii) A vessel constrained by her draft shall navigate with particular caution having full regard to her special condition. |
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Term
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Definition
| A seaplane on the water shall, in general, keep well clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation. In circumstances, however, where risk of collision exists, she shall comply with Rules 4-19. |
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Term
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Definition
A WIG craft shall, when taking off, landing and in flight near the surface, keep well clear of all other vessels and avoid impeding their navigation;
(ii) a WIG craft operating on the water surface shall comply with Rules 4-19 as a power-driven vessel |
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Term
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Definition
Rule 19 - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility Return to the top of the page
(a) This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility.
(b) Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel shall have her engines ready for immediate maneuver. |
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Term
| Rule 19 Detection by Radar |
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Definition
(d) A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing and/or risk of collision exists. If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, provided that when such action consists of an alteration in course, so far as possible the following shall be avoided:
(i) An alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken;
(ii) An alteration of course toward a vessel abeam or abaft the beam |
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Term
| Rule 19 Detection by Sound |
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Definition
| Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist, every vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam the fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel forward of her beam, shall reduce her speed to be the minimum at which she can be kept on her course. She shall if necessary take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over. |
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Term
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Definition
Rule 20 Application of lights and Shapes
(a) Rules 20-31 shall be complied with in all weathers.
(b) The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights which cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out. |
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Term
| Rule 20 when are lights shown |
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Definition
| The lights prescribed by these Rules shall, if carried, also be exhibited from sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility and may be exhibited in all other circumstances when it is deemed necessary. |
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Term
| Rule 20 when are day shapes shown |
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Definition
| The Rules concerning shapes shall be complied with by day. |
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Term
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Definition
| (f) A vessel’s navigation lights and shapes may be lowered if necessary to pass under a bridge |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| "Masthead light" means a white light placed over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel ‹‹ except that on a vessel of less than 12 meters in length the masthead light shall be placed as nearly as practicable to the fore and aft centerline of the vessel |
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Term
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Definition
| Sidelights" means a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side each showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side. In a vessel of less than 20 meters in length the sidelights may be combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel ‹‹ , except that on a vessel of less than 12 meters in length the sidelights when combined in one lantern shall be placed as nearly as practicable to the fore and aft centerline of the vessel |
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Term
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Definition
| Sternlight" means a white light placed as nearly as practicable at the stern showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees and so fixed as to show the light 67.5 degrees from right aft on each side of the vessel. |
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Term
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Definition
| "Towing light" means a yellow light having the same characteristics as the "sternlight" defined in Rule 21(c) |
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Term
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Definition
| "All-round light" means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees |
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Term
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Definition
| Flashing light" means a light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 120 flashes or more per minute |
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Term
| Inland special flashing light |
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Definition
| "Special flashing light" means a yellow light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 50 to 70 flashes per minute, placed as far forward and as nearly as practicable on the fore and aft centerline of the tow and showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of not less than 180 degrees nor more than 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to abeam and no more than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel |
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Term
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Definition
Law enforcement vessels may display a flashing blue light when engaged in direct law enforcement or public safety activities. This light must be located so that it does not interfere with the visibility of the vessel’s navigation lights.
(b) The blue light described in this section may be displayed by law enforcement vessels of the United States and the States and their political subdivisions. |
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Term
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Definition
(a) Vessels engaged in government sanctioned public safety activities, and commercial vessels performing similar functions, may display an alternately flashing red and yellow light signal. This identification light signal must be located so that it does not interfere with the visibility of the vessel’s navigation lights. The identification light signal may be used only as an identification signal and conveys no special privilege. Vessels using the identification light signal during public safety activities must abide by the inland navigation rules, and must not presume that the light or the exigency gives them precedence or right of way.
(b) Public safety activities include but are not limited to patrolling marine parades, regattas, or special water celebrations; traffic control; salvage; firefighting; medical assistance; assisting disabled vessels; and search and rescue |
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Term
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Definition
| Rule 22 - Visibility of Lights |
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Term
| Visibility of Lights >=50m |
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Definition
(i) a masthead light, 6 miles;
(ii) a sidelight, 3 miles;
(iii) a towing light, 3 miles;
(iv) a white red, green or yellow all-round light, 3 miles.
‹‹ (v) a special flashing light, 2 miles. ›› |
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Term
| Visibility of Lights >=12 & <50m |
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Definition
(i) a masthead light, 5 miles; except that where the length of the vessel is less than 20 meters, 3 miles;
(ii) a sidelight, 2 miles;
(iii) a sternlight, 2 miles;
(iv) a towing light, 2 miles;
(v) a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles.
‹‹ (vi) a special flashing light, 2 miles. ›› |
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Term
| Visibility of Lights <12m |
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Definition
(i) a masthead light, 2 miles;
(ii) a sidelight, 1 miles;
(iii) a towing light, 2 miles;
(iv) a white red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles.
(v) a special flashing light, 2 miles. |
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Term
| Visibility of lights In inconspicuous, partly submerged vessels or objects being towed |
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Definition
| (i) a white all-round light; 3 miles. |
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Term
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Definition
| Rule 23 Power Driven Vessel Underway |
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Term
| Rule 23 Power Driven Vessel Underway |
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Definition
A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit:
(i) a masthead light forward;
(ii) a second masthead light abaft of and higher than the forward one; except that a vessel of less than 50 meters in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such a light but may do so;
(iii) sidelights; and,
(iv) a sternlight.
[image] |
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Term
| Rule 23 Air-cushion vessel when operating in the nondisplacement mode |
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Definition
An air-cushion vessel when operating in non-displacement mode shall, in addition to the lights prescribed in Rule 23(a) , exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light ‹‹ , where it can best be seen ››
[image] |
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Term
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Definition
| A WIG craft only when taking off, landing and in flight near the surface shall, in addition to the lights prescribed in Rule 23(a), exhibit a high intensity all-round flashing red light. |
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Term
| Rule 23 Power Driven Vessel <12m |
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Definition
A power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length may in lieu of the lights prescribed in Rule 23(a) exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights.
[image]
the masthead light or all-round white light on a power-driven vessel of less than 12 m in length may be displaced from the fore and aft center line of the vessel if center line fitting is not practicable, provided that the sidelights are combined in one lantern which shall be carried on the fore and aft center line of the vessel or located as nearly as practicable in the same fore and aft line as the masthead light or the all-round white light. |
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Term
| Rule 23 a power-driven vessel of less than 7 meters in length whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots |
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Definition
may in lieu of the lights prescribed in Rule 23(a) exhibit an all-round white light and shall, if practicable, also exhibit sidelights.
[image] |
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Term
Rule 23 Inland
A power-driven vessel when operating on the Great Lakes may carry |
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Definition
A power-driven vessel when operating on the Great Lakes may carry an all-round white light in lieu of the second masthead light and sternlight prescribed in Rule 23(a). The light shall be carried in the position of the second masthead light and be visible at the same minimum range
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