Rule 7: Risk of Collision
provided that it is made in good time,
Learn to take compass bearings to check for
is substantial, and does not result in an-
risk of collision. If you have radar, learn to plot
other close-quarters situation.
approaching targets and determine how close
(d) Action taken to avoid collision with
they’re going to get. If you’re not sure whether
another vessel shall be such as to result
you’re safe, then you’re not.
in passing at a safe distance. The effec-
(a) Every vessel shall use all available means
tiveness of the action shall be carefully
appropriate to the prevailing circum-
checked until the other vessel is finally
stances and conditions to determine
past and clear.
if risk of collision exists. If there is any
(e) If necessary to avoid collision or allow
doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist.
more time to assess the situation, a ves-
(b) Proper use shall be made of radar equip-
sel shall slacken her speed to take all way
ment if fitted and operational, including
off by stopping or reversing her means
long-range scanning, to obtain early
of propulsion.
warning of risk of collision and radar
(i) A vessel which, by any of these rules,
plotting or equivalent systematic obser-
is required not to impede the passage
vation of detected objects.
or safe passage of another vessel shall,
(c) Assumptions shall not be made on the
when required by the circumstances
basis of scanty information, especially
of the case, take early action to allow
scanty radar information.
sufficient sea room for the safe pas-
(d) In determining if risk of collision exists,
sage of the other vessel.
the following considerations shall be
(ii)A vessel required not to impede the
among those taken into account:
passage or safe passage of another
(i) such risk shall be deemed to exist if the
vessel is not relieved of this obligation o
ad
compass bearing of an approaching
if approaching the other vessel so as
vessel does not appreciably change;
to involve risk of collision and shall,
(ii) such risk may sometimes exist even
when taking action, have full regard
f
the R
when an appreciable bearing change is
to the action that may be required by
evident, particularly when approach-
the rules of this part.
ing a very large vessel or a tow or when
(iii)A vessel, the passage of which is not to
ules o
approaching a vessel at close range.
be impeded, remains fully obliged to R
comply with the rules of this part when
Rule 8: Action to Avoid a Collision
the two vessels are approaching one an-
Make sure it’s obvious to the other boat where
other so as to involve risk of collision.
you are intending to go and what you’re doing.
Rule 9: Narrow Channels
As noted, don’t cut it close, even if you think it’s
OK, especially with large ships. Slow down if
Stay out of the way of ships in the channels.
ules
you need to, or in any uncertain situations.
If there’s enough water, get out of the channel R
(a) Any action taken to avoid collision shall,
altogether. If you’re in a tight channel, don’t
if the circumstances of the case admit,
pass another boat without its permission.
be positive, made in ample time and
(a) A vessel proceeding along the course of a
with due regard to the observance of
narrow channel or fairway shall keep as
good seamanship.
near to the outer limit of the channel or
(b) Any alteration of course and/or speed to
fairway which lies on her starboard side
avoid collision shall, if the circumstances
as is safe and practicable.
of the case admit, be large enough to be
(b) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or
readily apparent to another vessel observ-
a sailing vessel shall not impede the pas-
ing visually or by radar; a succession of
sage of a vessel which can safely navigate
small alterations of course and/or speed
only within a narrow channel or fairway.
should be avoided.
(c) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not im-
(c) If there is sufficient sea room, alteration
pede the passage of any other vessel navi-
of course alone may be the most effective
gating within a narrow channel or fairway.
action to avoid a close-quarters situation,
(d) A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel
or fairway if such crossing impedes the
passage of a vessel which can safely navi-
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