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 […]