Rules 1-19

Question 1

Rule 1: Application

Answer 1

International Rules apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels

Inland Rules apply to all vessels upon the inland waters of the United States

– “Inland Waters” means the navigable waters of the U.S. shoreward of the navigational demarcation lines dividing the high seas from harbors, rivers and other inland waters of the U.S.

Question 2

Rule 2: Responsiblity

Answer 2

Nothing will not exonerate any vessel or the owner, master or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules or the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen or by the special circumstances of the case.

Question 3

Rule 3: General Definitions

Answer 3

1. Vessel – Every description of water craft, including nondisplacement craft and seaplanes
2. Power driven vessel - Any vessel propelled by machinery.
3. Sailing Vessel – any vessel under sail, not propelled by any machinery.
4. Vessel engaged in fishing - Any vessel fishing with nets, trawls, or other fishing apparatus that restricts maneuverability.
5. Vessel Not Under Command - Any vessel that through exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver required by the Rules of the Road.
6. Vessel Constrained By Draft - A vessel whose draught in relation to depth of water is severely restricted in her ability to deviate from her course (Int. only).
7. Vessel Restricted in her Ability to Maneuver – A vessel who through the nature of her work is unable to maneuver as required by the Rules and is unable to keep out of the way of other vessels.

Question 4

Rule 4: Application

Answer 4

Rules of this section apply to any condition of visibility

Question 5

Rule 5: Look-Out

Answer 5

Every vessel shall maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing. In addition, they must use all appropriate means appropriate in the prevailing conditions to make a full appraisal of the situation.

Question 6

Rule 6: Safe Speed

Answer 6

Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

Factors:
Visibility
Traffic density
Maneuverability of the vessel
Background lighting
Winds, seas and current
Draft in relation to the depth of water

Question 7

Rule 7: Risk of Collision

Answer 7

All available means shall be used to determine if risk of collision exists; if in doubt, assume that it does.

Question 8

Rule 8: Actions to Avoid Collision

Answer 8

• Any action taken to avoid collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be positive and in ample time
• Any alteration of course or speed to avoid collision shall be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or on radar

Question 9

Rule 9: Narrow Channels

Answer 9

Narrow Channels

• Stay to the starboard side of the channel
• Vessels less than 20 meters in length, SAIL, FISH and crossing vessels shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can only safely navigate in a narrow channel
• Avoid anchoring
• Sound 1 prolonged blast when
  nearing an obscured bend or area
  or fairway

Question 10

Rule 10 Traffic Separation Scheme

Answer 10

Traffic Separation Scheme

• Proceed in the appropriate direction for the lane
• Keep clear of the separation zone
• Join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane, with as shallow an angle as practical
• Do not cross a TSS, if obliged do it with right angle to the direction of TSS

Question 11

Rule 11: Application

Answer 11

These Rules ONLY apply to vessels in VISUAL SIGHT of one another.

Question 12

Rule 12: Sailing Vessels

Answer 12

1. Each vessel has the wind on a different side: the vessel that has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way
2. Both vessels have the wind on the same side: the vessel that is windward shall keep out of the way of the leeward vessel.
3. If a vessel with the wind on the port side sees another vessel to windward, but cannot determine on which side the wind is relative to the observed vessel, she shall assume she is give way and keep out of the way.

Question 13

Rule 13: Overtaking Situation

Answer 13

• If approaching a vessel from more than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam.
• Vessel overtaking: keep out of the way of the overtaken.
• If in doubt as to whether an overtaking situation exists, assume that it does and act accordingly.
• Any subsequent alteration of bearing between the two vessels shall not make the situation a crossing situation; the overtaking vessel is not relieved of her responsibility to remain clear until she is past and clear of the vessel being overtaken.

Question 14

Rule 14: Head on Situation

Answer 14

• PDVs on reciprocal or near reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision, unless otherwise agreed: Each vessel shall alter course to starboard and pass PORT to PORT.
• If in doubt whether a head-on situation exists, assume it does.
• Inland only: A PDV traveling with the current on the Gr. Lakes, West. Rivers, or other waters specified by the Secr. of Transp., has right-of-way over a vessel traveling against the current.

Question 15

Rule 15: Crossing Situation

Answer 15

• When two PDVs are crossing paths so as to involve a risk of collision.
• The vessel that has the other vessel on her starboard side shall keep out of her way and shall avoid crossing ahead.
• Inland only: a PDV crossing a river shall keep out of the way of a PDV ascending or descending the river.

Question 16

Rule 16: Action by Give Way Vessel

Answer 16

Every vessel that 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.

Question 17

Rule 17: Action by Stand On Vessel

Answer 17

• Where one vessel is to keep out of the way, the other shall maintain course and speed.
• Stand-on vessel may take action to avoid collision, as soon as it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking the appropriate action in compliance with the Rules.
• Stand-on vessel shall take action when collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone.
• Should a stand-on vessel maneuver in a crossing situation, she shall avoid altering course to port.
• Nothing in this rule relieves the give-way vessel from her responsibility to keep out of the way of the stand-on vessel.

Question 18

Rule 18: Responsibility Between Vessels

Answer 18

• If you are higher than the other vessel, you are the stand on vessel.
• If you are lower than the other vessel, you are the give way vessel.

Not Under Command (NUC) (Least responsible)
Restricted Ability to Maneuver (RAM)
Constrained By Draft (CBD) (International Only)
Fishing (FISH)
Sailing (SAIL)
Power Driven Vessel (PDV)
Seaplane (SEA)
Wing in Ground craft (WIG) (Most responsible)

This rule applies only when not otherwise required by Narrow Channel, TSS and Overtaking rules.

Question 19

Rule 19: Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility

Answer 19

• Applies to vessels NOT IN SIGHT of one another
• Every vessel must proceed at a safe speed adapted to the visibility. A PDV shall have her engines ready for immediate maneuver
• Vessel Detected by radar alone: Determine if a close-quarters or CBDR situation is developing. If so, take avoiding action, but avoid:
  - An alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam (except a vessel being overtaken) should be avoided.
  - An alteration of course toward a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.
• Vessel detected by fog signal alone: Except when there is no risk of collision, reduce speed to bare steerage. If necessary, take all way off and proceed only with extreme caution until the danger of collision is over.