Watchkeeping - COLREGS: Part A General (1-2)

Question 1

What do the COLREGS stand for and how is the document presented?

Answer 1

COLREGs stand for the ‘International regulations for preventing collision at sea’ the document is presented in 5 parts and 4 annexes containing 38 rules in total.

Question 2

How are the 5 parts and annexes subdivided, what are their titles and corresponding rules?

Answer 2

Part A - General: Rules 1-3.

Part B - Steering and sailing rules subdivided into 3 sections.
Section 1 - Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility: Rules 4-10.
Section 2 - Conduct of vessels in sight of one another: Rules 11-18.
Section 3 - Conduct of vessel in restricted visibility: Rule 19

Part C - Lights and shapes: Rules 20-31.

Part D - Sound and light signals: Rules 32-37.

Part E - Exemptions: Rule 38.

Annexes:
Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes.
Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximity.
Technical details of sound signal appliances.
Distress signals.

Question 3

What is the basis of Rule 1?

Answer 3

Rule 1 is ‘Application’ it states that:

a) These rules shall apply to ALL VESSELS upon the high seas and in ALL WATERS therewith navigable by sea going vessels.
b) National authorities can implement special rules with regard to RIVERS, HARBOURS or INLAND WATERWAYS connected with the high seas and used by sea going vessels - However these must conform as closely as possible to the rules.

c) The government of any state can introduce special rules with regard to ADDITIONAL:
Station or signal lights.
Shapes or whistle signals for ships of war.
Vessels proceeding under convoy.
Vessels engaged in fishing.
These cannot be mistaken for those presented in the rules.

d) Traffic separation schemes may be adopted by the IMO for the purpose of these rules.

e) A vessel of special construction which cannot comply with the rules with regard to:
Number, Position, Range or arc of visibility of light and shapes.
Disposition and characteristic of sound signalling appliances.
Must comply with other provisions determined by the government and shall be as close as possible to those in the rules.

Question 4

What does rule 2 say about responsibility?

Answer 4

a) The rules do not relieve any vessel, owner master or crew from the consequences of any neglect to comply with the rules or of the neglect of any precaution required by the ordinary practice of seamen.
b) In construing (interpreting) and complying with the 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.