Navigating the open seas involves an inherent level of risk, and the ability to take decisive and effective action to avoid collisions is crucial for every mariner. Rule 8 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), outlines specific principles to guide vessels in avoiding collisions. […]

1. 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 predictable. 2. A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the […]

(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 shall: 1. proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane; 2. so far as practicable […]

(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in the rules, any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of another vessel being overtaken. (b) A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam, that is, in such a position with […]

Head-on Situation (a) When two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal on nearly reciprocal courses so as to invoke risk of collision each shall alter her course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other. (b) Such a situation shall be deemed to exist when a vessel sees the […]

(a) 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 manoeuvre; (iii) a vessel engaged in fishing; (iv) a sailing vessel (b) A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of: (i) a vessel not under […]