1
Q
What does COLREGS stand for?
C. O. T. I. R. F. P. C. A. S.
A
Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
2
Q
How are COLREGS implemented in the UK?
A
Through the Merchant Shipping
(Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions)
Regulations 1996.
3
Q
How many rules are in the COLREGS?
A
41 rules, divided into 6 parts.
4
Q
What do the 4 Annexes cover?
Let eat sausages D bot
A
Annex I – Lights & shapes positioning.
Annex II – Extra fishing vessel signals.
Annex III – Sound signal appliance details.
Annex IV – Distress signals.
5
Q
Where do the COLREGS apply?
A
All vessels on the high seas and waters connected to the high seas.
6
Q
Who is responsible for compliance?
A
Master, owner, and crew.
7
Q
Which rule contains definitions?
A
Rule 3.
8
Q
Which rules cover ‘any visibility’?
A
Rules 4–10.
9
Q
What does Rule 5 require?
A
Proper lookout by sight, hearing, and all available means.
10
Q
What does Rule 6 require?
A
Safe speed, considering conditions (esp. radar-equipped vessels).
11
Q
What does Rule 7 state about risk of collision?
A
Use all available means; don’t rely on scanty information, especially radar.
12
Q
What does Rule 8 cover?
A
Action to avoid collision – early, substantial, and positive.
13
Q
Narrow channels (Rule 9): what must vessels do?
A
Keep to starboard side outer limit; <20m & sailing vessels not to impede larger vessels.
14
Q
Traffic Separation Schemes (Rule 10): how must vessels cross?
A
At right angles, as nearly as practicable.
15
Q
Which vessels must not impede in TSS?
A
Fishing vessels.
16
Q
Which rules cover vessels in sight?
A
Rules 11–18.
17
Q
Which rule covers overtaking?
A
Rule 13 – overtaking vessel must keep clear.
18
Q
Which rule covers head-on?
A
Rule 14 – both alter to starboard.
19
Q
Which rule covers crossing?
A
Rule 15 – vessel with other on starboard keeps clear.
20
Q
Which rule covers stand-on vessel obligations?
A
Rule 17 – may manoeuvre if give-way vessel fails to act.
21
Q
Which rule sets vessel responsibilities hierarchy?
A
Rule 18.
22
Q
Which rule covers restricted visibility?
A
Rule 19 – safe speed, radar checks, reduce speed if fog signals heard.
23
Q
When must navigation lights be shown?
A
From sunset to sunrise.
24
Q
What does Rule 22 specify?
A
Visibility ranges of lights by vessel size/type.
25
Which rule covers towing/pushing lights?
Rule 24.
26
Which rule covers vessels at anchor or aground?
Rule 30.
27
What equipment must vessels carry?
≥12m: whistle & bell.
≥100m: whistle, bell, and gong.
28
What does Rule 34 cover?
Manoeuvring and warning signals (whistle/light).
29
What does Rule 35 cover?
Restricted visibility signals.
30
What does Rule 37 cover?
Distress signals.
31
What does Rule 38 allow?
Older vessels built under 1960 rules may have exemptions for lights/sound.
32
What does Part F introduce?
IMO audits of States for compliance (since 2013).
33
What are COLREGS and where do they apply?
The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea; apply to all vessels on the high seas and connected waters.
34
How many rules are in COLREGS and how are they divided?
41 rules in 6 parts, plus 4 annexes.
35
Who is responsible for compliance with COLREGS?
Master, owner, and crew.
36
What does Rule 6 require?
By Sight
Safe speed, considering
•visibility,
•traffic,
•manoeuvrability,
•background light,
•wind,
•draft vs depth.
37
What does Rule 7 say about risk of collision?
Must use all available means; avoid relying on scanty information, especially radar alone.
38
What does Rule 8 state about collision avoidance?
Actions must be early, substantial, positive, and kept under observation.
39
In a narrow channel (Rule 9), what must vessels do?
Keep starboard outer limit; <20m vessels, sailing vessels, and fishing vessels must not impede vessels constrained to channel.
40
In a TSS (Rule 10), how must vessels cross?
At right angles, as nearly as practicable.
41
Who must not impede vessels in a TSS?
Fishing vessels.
42
Which rule covers a head-on situation?
Rule 14 – both vessels alter to starboard.
43
Which rule covers a crossing situation?
Rule 15 – vessel with other on her starboard side must give way.
44
Which rule covers the stand-on vessel’s obligations?
Rule 17 – keep course/speed, but may act if give-way vessel doesn’t.
45
Which rule sets the responsibilities hierarchy between vessels?
Rule 18 – from least to most constrained: Power-driven < Sailing < Fishing < Restricted ability < Constrained by draft < Not under command.
46
What does Rule 19 cover?
Restricted visibility – safe speed, radar use, and reducing speed if fog signals heard.
47
When must navigation lights be shown?
Sunset to sunrise; also in restricted visibility.
48
What equipment must ships carry for sound signals?
≥12m: whistle & bell; ≥100m: whistle, bell, and gong.
49
What does Rule 34 cover?
Manoeuvring & warning signals (e.g., 1 short = stbd alter, 2 short = port alter, 3 short = astern propulsion).
50
What does Rule 37 cover?
Distress signals – listed in Annex IV (e.g., red flare, orange smoke, radio signals, waving arms).
51
Where do the COLREGS apply?
All vessels on the high seas and waters connected, navigable by seagoing vessels.
52
Do special rules (e.g., harbour, inland waters) override COLREGS?
No – they must conform as closely as possible to COLREGS.
53
Can governments add extra lights/shapes/signals (e.g., naval convoys, fishing fleets)?
Yes, provided they cannot be mistaken for COLREGS signals.
54
Who adopts traffic separation schemes (TSS)?
The IMO (the Organization).
55
What if a vessel’s construction prevents full compliance with COLREGS lights/shapes?
Government may allow the closest possible compliance.
56
Can compliance with COLREGS alone absolve responsibility in a collision?
No – masters, owners, and crew are also responsible for good seamanship and precautions.
57
When is departure from the Rules permitted or required?
When necessary to avoid immediate danger (e.g., shallow water, third vessel preventing starboard alteration).
58
What does 'ordinary practice of seamen' imply?
Basic seamanship expectations, e.g., vessel underway should keep clear of anchored vessels.
59
What is a 'vessel'?
Any watercraft, including WIG craft and seaplanes, used/capable of transport on water.
60
Define 'power-driven vessel.'
Vessel propelled by machinery.
61
Define 'sailing vessel.'
Vessel under sail, provided propelling machinery is not being used.
62
Define 'vessel engaged in fishing.'
Vessel with nets/trawls restricting manoeuvrability (not trolling lines).
63
What is a 'vessel not under command (NUC)'?
Vessel unable to manoeuvre due to exceptional circumstances (e.g., engine/steering failure).
64
What is a 'vessel restricted in ability to manoeuvre (RAM)'?
Vessel restricted due to nature of work (e.g., dredging, cable laying, replenishment at sea, mine clearance, aircraft ops, severe towing).
65
What is a 'vessel constrained by draught (CBD)'?
A power-driven vessel restricted by draught vs depth/width of navigable water.
66
Define 'underway.'
Not at anchor, aground, or made fast to shore.
67
Define 'in sight.'
Vessels visible to one another visually (not radar).
68
Define 'restricted visibility.'
Fog, mist, snow, rain, sandstorm, or similar causes.
69
What is a 'Wing-in-Ground (WIG) craft'?
Multimodal craft flying close to the surface using ground effect.
70
Where do COLREGS apply?
On the high seas and all navigable waters connected to the high seas.
71
Can governments make additional rules for inland waters or fishing fleets?
Yes, but they must not conflict with COLREGS or cause confusion.
72
Who is responsible for adopting and approving TSS?
The IMO (the Organization).
73
What if a vessel cannot fully comply with COLREGS lights/shapes due to construction?
Flag State may allow the closest possible compliance.
74
Who is responsible for compliance with COLREGS?
Master, owner, and crew.
75
Does following COLREGS rules always prevent liability in a collision?
No – Rule 2 states responsibility still lies with those in charge.
76
When may you depart from the Rules?
When necessary to avoid immediate danger.
77
Give an example of 'ordinary practice of seamen.'
A vessel underway must keep clear of one at anchor.
78
Define a 'vessel.'
Any craft used/capable of transport on water, including seaplanes and WIG craft.
79
Define a 'power-driven vessel.'
Any vessel propelled by machinery.
80
Define a 'sailing vessel.'
Vessel under sail, provided machinery is not being used.
81
What is a 'vessel engaged in fishing'?
Vessel using nets/trawls that restrict manoeuvrability (not trolling).
82
What is a 'vessel not under command (NUC)'?
Vessel unable to manoeuvre due to exceptional circumstances (e.g., steering or engine failure).
83
What is a 'vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre (RAM)'?
Vessel restricted by work (e.g., dredging, cable-laying, replenishment, mine clearance, aircraft ops, towing severely restricted).
84
What is a 'vessel constrained by draught (CBD)'?
A power-driven vessel restricted by her draught in relation to depth/width of navigable water.
85
What does Rule 5 require?
Proper lookout by sight, hearing, and all available means.
86
Does Rule 5 apply at anchor?
Yes – must keep lookout, especially with strong tide or traffic nearby.
87
What does Rule 6 require?
Proceed at a safe speed to avoid collision and stop within an appropriate distance.
88
What factors determine safe speed for all vessels?
Visibility, traffic density, manoeuvrability, background light, wind/sea/current, draught vs depth.
89
What extra factors must be considered when using radar?
Radar efficiency, limitations, range scale, sea clutter, small object detection, number/movement of targets.
90
How is risk of collision determined?
Use all available means; doubt = risk exists.
91
What does Rule 7 say about scanty radar information?
Must not make assumptions based on scanty information.
92
What does a constant bearing with decreasing range indicate?
Risk of collision exists.
93
Can risk of collision exist even with a bearing change?
Yes, at close range or with a large vessel.
94
What must actions to avoid collision be?
Positive, early, substantial, in line with good seamanship.
95
Should alterations be small and successive?
No – alterations should be large and obvious.
96
What is the preferred action if sea room allows?
Alteration of course alone.
97
What other actions may be taken if necessary?
Slacken speed or stop engines.
98
What does 'Do Not Impede' mean?
Certain vessels must take early action to avoid creating risk of collision for vessels with priority.
99
If risk develops anyway, what must the vessel do?
The vessel must still not impede and consider the other’s possible manoeuvres.
100
What is the general rule for narrow channels?
Keep to starboard outer limit.
101
Who must not impede in a narrow channel?
Vessels <20m, sailing vessels, fishing vessels.
102
What is the rule for crossing in a narrow channel?
Do not cross if it impedes a vessel constrained to the channel.
103
How is overtaking carried out in a narrow channel?
Must signal intention; overtaken vessel must agree by signal and assist.
104
Where should vessels avoid anchoring in a narrow channel?
Within the channel.
105
What is the general application of Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS)?
Adopted TSS by IMO, but does not relieve from other rules.
106
What are the lane requirements in a TSS?
Proceed in traffic lane direction, keep clear of separation line/zone, join/leave at small angle.
107
How should vessels cross a TSS?
Cross at right angles.
108
What is the rule for inshore traffic zones?
Normally avoid, but <20m, sailing, fishing may use; larger vessels only if going to port/installation or avoiding danger.
109
Who must not impede vessels in TSS?
Fishing vessels, <20m vessels, and sailing vessels.
110
Where should you avoid anchoring in relation to TSS?
Within TSS and near terminations.
111
When do Rules 11–18 apply?
When vessels are in sight of one another.
112
If two sailing vessels approach, who keeps clear?
Wind on different sides → vessel with wind on port side keeps clear.
## Footnote
**Wind on same side → windward vessel keeps clear of leeward vessel.**
**If uncertain → vessel with wind on port side keeps clear.**
113
Which side is 'windward'?
Opposite to the side where mainsail (or largest fore-and-aft sail) is carried.
114
What is the duty of an overtaking vessel?
Must always keep clear of the vessel being overtaken.
115
When is a vessel overtaking?
When coming from more than 22.5° abaft the beam (at night: stern light visible only).
116
If in doubt about overtaking?
Assume you are overtaking.
117
Can a vessel stop being overtaking by altering course?
No – she remains overtaking until finally past and clear.
118
What must two power-driven vessels do if meeting head-on?
Both alter course to starboard and pass port-to-port.
119
How is a head-on situation identified?
At night → masthead lights in line & both sidelights visible.
## Footnote
By day → vessel seen ahead or nearly ahead.
120
If in doubt whether it’s head-on?
Assume it is and act accordingly.
121
Who gives way in a crossing situation?
Vessel with the other on her starboard side.
122
Should the give-way vessel cross ahead?
No – avoid crossing ahead if risk of collision exists.
123
When does Rule 15 not apply?
When encountering NUC, RAM, or fishing vessels → Rule 18 applies.
124
What must the give-way vessel do?
Take early and substantial action to keep clear.
125
What must the stand-on vessel do?
Keep course and speed.
126
When may the stand-on vessel manoeuvre?
If the give-way vessel is not taking proper action.
127
When must the stand-on vessel act?
If collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone.
128
In a crossing situation, what action should the stand-on vessel avoid?
Avoid altering course to port for a vessel on her port side.
129
What sound/light signal shows doubt about the other vessel’s action?
At least 5 short rapid blasts (whistle or light flashes).
130
Who must power-driven vessels keep clear of?
NUC, RAM, Fishing, Sailing.
131
Who must sailing vessels keep clear of?
NUC, RAM, Fishing.
132
Who must fishing vessels keep clear of?
NUC, RAM.
133
Who give way to vessels constrained by draught (CBD)?
Others must avoid impeding them; CBD must navigate with caution.
134
Who give way to seaplanes?
Should keep clear of vessels.
135
What about WIG craft?
Taking off/landing/near surface → keep clear of all.
## Footnote
On water surface → comply as power-driven vessel.
136
What’s your action if you’re the 'keep out of the way' vessel?
Take compass bearings → constant = risk of collision. Other is stand-on, I am give-way. Sound 1 short blast, make a bold alteration to starboard (or port) ~40–60°. Monitor until past and clear, then return to original course.
137
What’s your action if you are the stand-on vessel?
Take compass bearings → constant = risk of collision. Maintain course and speed. If other vessel not acting → sound 5 short blasts, call Master, engage hand steering. If no response → sound 1 short blast and alter to starboard (not port at 'may' stage). If very close and give-way vessel alone can’t avoid → I take any action (port or starboard), sound 5 blasts.
138
What if another vessel is impeding you in a TSS or narrow channel?
Take bearings → constant = risk. I am give-way vessel under Rules 15/18. But under Rule 10, the other vessel must not impede my safe passage. I would sound 5 short blasts to remind of her obligation. If no response, apply normal Steering & Sailing Rules.
139
What if you sight a vessel constrained by draught?
Take bearings → constant = risk. I am 'shall not impede' vessel. Take early action to give sea room. Sound 1 short blast and alter to starboard to run parallel. Never alter to port for CBD on my own port side if risk exists.
140
Rule 8
Do Not Impede
(f) (i) A vessel which, by any of these rules, is required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another vessel shall, when required by the circumstances of the case, take early
action to allow sufficient sea room for the safe passage of the other vessel;
This would mean that the vessel instructed not to impede must navigate in such a manner so as to not allow a risk of collision to develop with the vessel whose passage should not be
impeded.
(ii) A vessel required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another vessel is not relieved of this obligation if approaching the other vessel so as to involve risk of collision and
shall, when taking action, have full regard to the action which may be required by the rules of this Part;
If the vessel required not to impede has allowed a risk of collision to develop, then she is still required to not impede the other vessel. When taking any action, they must, however, take
account of the possible manoeuvres of the vessel which is not to be impeded.
An example would be a 50m motor yacht with a CBD stead on her port bow. The PDV is required not to impede the CBD but has allowed a risk of collision to develop, she is still obliged to not impede the other vessel but be aware of the action the CBD may take under rule 15.
The 50m PDV is both the do not impede and stand on vessel at the same time.
(iii) A vessel the passage of which is not to be impeded remains fully obliged to comply with the rules of this part when the two vessels are approaching one another so as to involve risk
of collision.
Rule 8(f)(iii) relates to the obligations of a vessel the passage of which is not to be impeded.
Such a vessel is not relieved of her obligation to comply with the steering and sailing rules when there is risk of collision.
So in the above situation, the CBD is the vessel not to be impeded and the give way vessel
141
Flashcard: Rule 8(f) – Vessels “Not to Impede”
What are the obligations under Rule 8(f) for vessels required not to impede another vessel’s passage or safe passage?
• (i) A vessel required not to impede must take early action to allow sufficient sea room for the other vessel’s safe passage, preventing any risk of collision.
• (ii) If risk of collision develops, the vessel still must not impede and must act with full regard for possible maneuvers of the vessel whose passage should not be impeded.
• Example: A 50 m power-driven vessel (PDV) with a constrained-by-draft (CBD) vessel on her port bow must still not impede, even if risk develops. The PDV is simultaneously the “do not impede” and “stand-on” vessel.
• (iii) The vessel whose passage is not to be impeded (e.g., the CBD) must still comply with all steering and sailing rules when risk of collision exists.
Summary:
Both vessels retain responsibilities: the “do not impede” vessel must take early, positive action to avoid restricting the other’s movement, while the “not to be impeded” vessel must still follow collision-avoidance rules.
142
Rule 9 – Narrow Channels
What are the key navigation rules for vessels in narrow channels or fairways under Rule 9?
• (a) Keep to starboard side of the channel or fairway as near as is safe and practicable.
• (b) Vessels under 20 m and sailing vessels must not impede vessels that can safely navigate only within the channel.
• Small craft and sailing vessels should take early action to keep clear—don’t wait for risk of collision.
• (c) Fishing vessels must not impede other vessels navigating within the channel. Fishing may occur only when the channel is not in use.
• (d) No crossing if it impedes a vessel that can safely navigate only within the channel.
• The latter vessel may use Rule 34(d) sound signals if in doubt.
• The Crossing Rule (Rule 15) still applies when both vessels can safely navigate outside the channel.
• (e) Overtaking:
• The overtaking vessel must signal her intention using Rule 34 signals.
• The vessel being overtaken should acknowledge and assist safe passing if in agreement.
• The overtaking vessel remains responsible under Rule 13.
• (f) When approaching bends or obscured areas, proceed with caution and alertness and sound Rule 34(e) signal.
• (g) Avoid anchoring in a narrow channel whenever possible.
Summary:
Rule 9 ensures safe navigation in confined waters—large vessels have priority, smaller or more maneuverable vessels must not impede, and all vessels must act early, communicate clearly, and navigate with extra caution.
143
Flashcard: Rule 10 – Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS)
What are the key requirements for vessels navigating within or near a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) under Rule 10?
• (a) Rule 10 applies only to IMO-adopted TSS and does not override other COLREGS obligations.
• (b) Vessels using a TSS must:
• (i) Proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow.
• (ii) Keep clear of separation lines/zones where practicable.
• (iii) Join or leave lanes at the end or at a small angle to traffic flow.
• (c) Avoid crossing traffic lanes, but if necessary, cross at right angles to traffic flow.
• (d) Inshore Traffic Zones (ITZ):
• (i) Large vessels should avoid ITZ if they can safely use main lanes.
• <20 m vessels, sailing vessels, and fishing vessels may use ITZ.
• (ii) Any vessel may use ITZ to enter/exit ports or avoid danger.
• (e) Entering separation zones or crossing separation lines is prohibited unless:
• (i) In emergency to avoid danger, or
• (ii) When fishing in the separation zone.
• (f) Navigate with caution near TSS terminations.
• (g) Avoid anchoring in or near a TSS.
• (h) Vessels not using a TSS should stay well clear.
• (i) Fishing vessels must not impede vessels following a traffic lane.
• (j) Vessels <20 m or sailing vessels must not impede power-driven vessels following a lane.
• (k–l) RAM (Restricted in Ability to Manoeuvre) vessels engaged in navigation safety or cable work are exempted from TSS compliance as needed for their operations.
Summary:
Rule 10 ensures safe, organized flow in busy sea lanes. Vessels must follow designated directions, avoid impeding others, and stay clear of separation zones unless justified by safety or operations. Small, sailing, and fishing vessels have limited rights within the scheme.
Oow Oral
flashcards
Decks in class (37)
# Cards
-
IRPCS42
-
Buoyage61
-
Flags10
-
Checklist19
-
Publications82
-
Lights, Shapes & Sounds128
-
Role of the OOW79
-
Passage planning56
-
Pilots16
-
L.S.A179
-
Compass137
-
COSWP121
-
Radar62
-
AIS. LRIT & BNWAS39
-
ECDIS61
-
COLREGS143
-
Chart Work46
-
Position Fixes39
-
Sextant34
-
Fire25
-
MOB30
-
What is so what32
-
Nav Equipment63
-
Steering Systems72
-
STCW51
-
Radar Plotting & Arpa30
-
Salvage31
-
ISPS30
-
LYC38
-
MLC29
-
MET37
-
Stability61
-
GMDSS31
-
Medical & Rope35
-
Marpol30
-
ISM30
-
Drive a Boat30
