72 COLREGS *

2. 72 COLREGS * • An acronym for COLLISION REGULATIONS. • TWO sets: International and Inland • Inland separated from International by DEMARCATION lines printed right on the navigation charts. • WHERE THEY APPLY • International rules apply: To ALL vessels on the high seas and in all waters connected therewith NAVIGABLE BY SEAGOING VESSELS. • * The COLREGS were set by convention in 1972, subject to continual amendments.

3. COLREGS, Cont’d Further, these rules shall NOT interfere with special rules made by an appropriate authority. A proper authority in the U.S. would be the USCG. ***NOTE*** There is one other such set of rules, called the INLAND Rules act of 1980.

4. DEFINITIONS“SHALL” and “MAY” The naval services, including the U.S. Coast Guard have agreed by convention and documentation on the following interpretation(s): SHALL is a COMMAND. There is no alternative. MAY is a SUGGESTION and alternatives are available. These interpretations and definitions are made a part of the laws governing vessels on the seas of all signing countries.

5. Rule 1 Application • International: These Rules shall apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels. • Inland: These Rules apply to all vessels upon the inland waters of the United States, and to the vessels of the United States on the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes to the extent that there is no conflict with Canadian law.

6. Rule 2 - RESPONSIBILITY • KNOWN AS THE “RULE OF GOOD SEAMANSHIP AND THE • GENERAL PRUDENTIAL RULE • Nothing in these rules shall exonerate any vessel, owner, captain or crew from penalty for the neglect of complying with the rules, or by the ordinary practice of good seamanship or by the SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES of the case • In following the rules, due regard SHALL be given to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any SPECIALCIRCUMSTANCES,WHICH MAY MAKE A DEPARTURE FROM THESE RULES NECESSARY TO AVOID IMMEDIATE DANGER.

7. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES Special Circumstances are considered situations NOT COVEREDBY THE RULES. Since MEETING, CROSSING and OVERTAKING rules are designed for ONLY TWO vessels interacting, THREE VESSELS COMING TOGETHER IS CONSIDERED A “SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE”. When more than two vessels interact, it becomes a SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE

8. PURPOSE OF THE RULES The sole purpose of this set of rules is: TO PREVENT COLLISIONS! Period. COLLISIONS WITH ANYTHING! If your actions in any situation produce a collision between your vessel, and ANYTHING, INCLUDING THE BOTTOM, you have broken the rules and are subject to punishment! ADMIRALITY LAW: Some cases are tried in Admiralty Court where the justice system, unlike our civil and criminal courts which allow for a “plea”…DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR A PLEA. In Admiralty Court, you are presumed guilty as charged. The only reason you are there is to find out what the punishment will be. Mitigating circumstances are allowed to be argued but you are still GUILTY AS CHARGED.

9. Rules 3, 4, 5 • Rule 3 – Definition of Terms • Rule 4 – Rules in this subpart (Steering and Sailing Rules) apply in any condition of visibility. • Rule 5 – Look-Out, Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.

10. DEFINITIONS • POWER DRIVEN VESSEL: Propelled by MACHINERY. • UNDERWAY: Not anchored, aground or made fast to shore. • SHORT BLAST = 1 second ; symbol =  • PROLONGED BLAST = 4 - 6 seconds; symbol = • SAILING VESSEL: Propelled by SAIL ONLY • SAFE SPEED: Depends on a number of ingredients; visibility, traffic, your maneuverability, wind, sea, current, etc.

11. DEFINITIONS – CONT’d • VESSEL: Includes every description of water craft used as ameans of transportation on the water, including Hovercraft, Hydrofoils, Seaplanes and barges. • POWER DRIVEN VESSEL: Any vessel propelled by machinery. • COMPOSITE UNIT: Special built two-part hull, when joined by hydraulic rams, is considered a motor vessel rather than a towing vessel. “Acts unto the waves as one”. • SAILBOAT: Any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is NOT being used.

12. LOOKOUT RULE DEFINITION: A person assigned to do NOTHING except be an extra set of eyes for the captain.( NO EXCEPTIONS) RULE: Every vessel is required to maintain a PROPER lookout at all times using eyes/ears and any other means available. If a collision occurs, the Lookout was IMPROPER! No exceptions!

13. Rules 6 Safe Speed • Rule 6, Safe Speed, “Every Vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions. In determining a safe speed, the following factors shall be among those taken into account: By all vessels: the state of visibility, the traffic density, the maneuverability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability, at night, the presence of background lights (shore lights), the state of the wind, sea, and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards, and the draft in relation to the available depth of water. (b) additionally, by vessels with operational radar: the characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment; any constraints imposed by the radar range scale used…and more.

14. Rule 7, RISK OF COLLISION EVERY vessel SHALL use all available means, including radar and lookout, to help in determining if there is a risk of collision. IF THERE IS ANY DOUBT, SUCH RISK SHALL BE DEEMED TO EXIST. (If there was a collision, there must have been a risk!) A risk exists if the bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change. In cases of large vessels or vessels close by even a large bearing change does NOT guarantee that there is no risk of collision.

15. Rule 8 ACTION TO AVOID COLLISION Action SHALL be positive and made in AMPLE TIME. Any alteration of course or speed to avoid collision SHALL be large enough to be understood by another vessel observing visually or by radar. Small course and speed changes should be avoided for that reason. Any action to avoid a collision MUST NOT result in another close quarters situation.Close quarter situations should always be avoided. Perhaps a course change alone will do. This rule allows a stand-on vessel to consider the hazards of holding course and speed. However, if the SO departs, they are still liable for breaking the rule of NOT holding course and speed. You get to explain what happened! If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the situation, a vessel shall slacken her speed or take all way off by stopping or reversing her means of propulsion.

16. Rule 9, Narrow Channels • 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 practicable. • Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(i) and Rule 14 (a), a power-driven vessel operating in narrow channels or fairways on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or waters specified by the Secretary, and proceeding downbound with a following current shall have right-of-way over an upbound vessel. • A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within that channel or fairway. The latter vessel shall use the danger signal prescribed in Rule 34d if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel. Note (shall for inland, may for international). • Must use sound signals when overtaking in narrow channels • Must use the “bend signal” when rounding tight bends • Every vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.

17. Rule 10 Traffic Separation Schemes • (a) This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other Rule. (b) A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall: proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane; (ii) so far as practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone; (iii) normally join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane, but when joining or leaving from either side shall do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable. • (c) A vessel shall, so far as practicable, avoid crossing traffic lanes but if obliged to do so shall cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.

18. Rules 11-19 • Rule 11 (Application), Rules in this section apply to vessels in sight of one another. • Rule 12, Sailing Vessels, Starboard tack over port, leeward over windward. • Rule 13, Overtaking • Rule 14, Head-On Situation • Rule 15, Crossing Situation • Rule 16, Action by Give-way Vessel • Rule 17, Action by Stand-on Vessel • Rule 18, Responsibilities between Vessels • Rule 19, Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility

19. MEETING – CROSSING - OVERTAKING Underway, a vessel is ALWAYS in one of three configurations: MEETING, CROSSING or OVERTAKING MEETING: BOW TO BOW.At night: Both side lights of the other vessel are visible. CROSSING: Only one side of other vessel is in view. Nighttime, only one sidelight is in view. OVERTAKING: Approaching from more than 2 points abaft the beam, either side. Night lights; of the running lights, onlythe stern light of the other vessel will be visible.

20. OVERTAKINGAny vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the 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 reference to the vessel she is overtaking, that at night she would be able to see only the sternlight of that vessel but neither of her sidelights. (c) When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether she is overtaking another, she shall assume that this is the case and act accordingly. GIVE WAY VESSEL

21. LIGHT DEFINITIONS Rule 21MASTHEAD LIGHT A segmented white light, visible from dead ahead to 2 points abaft the beam on each side or for 112.5 degrees on each side, from dead ahead, for a total of 225 deg. It is always displayed foreword and as high as practical, preferably on a mast . The dark portion is ALWAYS FACING AFT.

22. MEETING

23. MEETINGPASSING PORT TO PORT One short blast each

24. NORMAL PASSING

25. CROSSINGWhen two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.

26. GIVE WAY VESSEL NOTE: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS “RIGHT – OF – WAY” ANYMORE. ONLY STAND-ON AND GIVE-WAY! Some older texts continue to occasionally use the tem “right of way”. The designated GIVE - WAY vessel SHALL take early and substantial action to KEEP CLEAR. She should NOT cross the bow of the Stand ON vessel, nor create another close quarters situation by turning towards the S.O. vessel.

27. GIVE WAY VESSEL’S DANGER ZONE

28. DANGER ZONE • EVERY VESSEL HAS A DANGER ZONE WHICH EXTENDS FROM DEAD AHEAD TO 2 POINTS ABAFT THE BEAM ON THE STARBOARD SIDE ONLY. • ANY VESSEL ENTERING YOUR DANGER ZONE, no matter how, AUTOMATICALLY BECOMES THE STANDON VESSEL.. While such, he must hold his course and speed at all times. • At the same time, your vessel automatically becomes the GIVEWAY VESSEL and must stay out of the way of the STAND ON vessel at all times. • The STAND ON – GIVE WAY situation results from VESSEL INTERACTION with other vessels only.

29. STAND - ON VESSEL When one vessel must give way, the other vessel MUST HOLD COURSE and SPEED( unless operating under Rule 8) The S.O. Vessel may take action to avoid collision as soon as it is apparent to her that the give-way vessel is not taking proper action to do so. When vessels are so close that action by the give-way vessel alone will not avoid a collision, the other vessel must act to do so. Action by the stand-on vessel to avoid a collision does not relieve the give-way vessel of her obligation to keep out of the way.

30. DEFINITIONS – CONT’dSEVEN CLASSES OF VESSELS • NUC: Vessel Not Under Command. Due to some exceptional circumstance, cannot maneuver according to the rules. Unable • to keep out of the way. Highest priority of AVOID. • RAM: Restricted in Ability to Maneuver due to nature of herwork. Unable to keep out of way of other vessels. Next highest order of AVOID. • CBD: Constrained By Draft. Cannot maneuver out of the way because of insufficient water Needs their half of channel in the middle! This designation exists ONLY in Inland rules. NOT in International rules,

31. SEVEN CLASSES OF VESSELS – CONT’d 4. FISHING VESSEL: Engaged in fishing with nets, lines, trawling, or other apparatus restricting her maneuvering ability. 5. SAILBOAT: Sail only; no power on. 6. POWER BOAT: Propelled by machinery 7. SEAPLANES, HOVERCRAFT in the displacement mode, Just remember: New Reels Catch Fish So Purchase Some. Also known as the General PECKING ORDER or order of precedence.

32. Rule 19 Restricted Visibility • (a) This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility. • (b) Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel shall have her engines ready for immediate maneuver. • (e) Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist, every vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam the fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel forward of her beam, shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course. She shall if necessary take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over.

33. Rule 20 Application for Part C (Lights and Shapes) • (a) Rules in this Part shall be complied with in all weathers. • (b) The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out. • (c) The lights prescribed by these Rules shall, if carried, also be exhibited from sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility and may be exhibited in all other circumstances when it is deemed necessary. • (d) The Rules concerning shapes shall be complied with by day.

34. LIGHT DEFINITIONS RULE 21SIDE LIGHTS COLORED “RED” OR “Green”. RED is for PORT (Port Wine) side GREEN is for starboard. Visible from dead ahead to 112.5 degrees only each light. Vessels of less than 20 meters may combine the two into one lantern on the centerline such as on the bow or breasthook of the boat. They are displayed on the bow when combined or generally near the forward quarter on each side.

35. LIGHT DEFINITIONS RULE 21STERNLIGHT A segmented white light pointed dead astern, inline with the keel and visible over an arc of 135 degrees facing dead aft; 67.5 degrees either side of the keel line. Dark side facing forward.

36. LIGHT DEFINITIONSTOWING LIGHT Exactly the same as the stern light, except that it is YELLOW. It is displayed OVER the stern light and indicates TOWING ON A HAWSER…FROM THE REAR OF THE TOWBOAT). HINT( Yellow over white, my hawser’s tight) (Towing Hawser/cable), or Yellow over white, towing at night!

37. LIGHT DEFINITINS RULE 21ALL ROUND LIGHT Any light that is visible through the complete, unbroken, 360 degree circle. Generally white, green, red or yellow.

38. LIGHT DEFINITIONS RULE 21FLASHING LIGHT Machinegun fast at 2 per second or 120+ per minute. When assigned to a HOVER CRAFT or HYDROFOIL, the color is AMBER or YELLOW.

39. LIGHT VISIBILITY RULE 22 SIZE MASTHEAD LT. SIDELIGHT. STERNLIGHT Less than 12M 2nm 1nm 2nm 12 – < 20M 3 2 2 20 - < 50M 5 2 2 50M or more 6 3 3

40. POWER VESSEL’S LIGHTS UNDERWAY STANDARD RUNNING LIGHTS. SIDE LIGHTS AND STERN LIGHT. Vessels less than 12M may, instead of other lights, exhibit an all-round white light and side lights ( as most of the small boats you see daily). The all round white light is really a masthead light and the stern light, combined. The 7/7 rule: Vessels less than 7 M in length with max speeds of 7 kts. May show just an all round white light and only if practicable, side lights.

41. ROW BOATS AND THE 7/7 RULE A vessel under OARS, may exhibit the lights prescribed in the rules for sailing vessels or SHALL SHOW A LIGHTED LANTERN in sufficient time to prevent a collision. Vessels less than 7 meters in length with a max attainable speed of 7 knots may show just one all round white light. If practicable, side lights.

42. TOWING/PUSHING LIGHTS Powerboat, when working as a tow or pushing: One additional masthead light. When towing a tow greater than 200M( called a LONG TOW …still another additional MH light. A tow 200M or less is called a SHORT TOW. There is no light for a short tow. Example: 120M tow boat with a 250M tow behind = 4 MH vertically; Two MH lights for power vessels more than 50M in length, 1 MH light for working as a tow boat and 1 for towing a tow in excess of 200 meters. Four is the maximum number of masthead lights you will ever see.

43. TOWING/PUSHING LIGHTS In addition to the Masthead and side lights, power vessels towing ona hawser will show the YELLOW TOWING LIGHT above the white stern light. “YELLOW OVER WHITE, MY HAWSER’s TIGHT!” or Yellow over white, towing at night! When PUSHING ahead or towing alongside, the white sternlight is out and TWO YELLOW TOWING LIGHTS will be shown, one over the other. “YELLOW OVER YELLOW, I’M A PUSHING MY INLAND FELLOW!” (INLAND RULE ONLY).

44. KINDS OF LIGHTS • THERE ARE THREE KINDS OF NIGHT LIGHTS • Running lights: Tells the world you are underway andrunning: side lights, stern light and masthead light. • Working lights: Tells the world how big you are andhowyou are working: Masthead lights, towing lights • Identification lights: Tells the world who you are; NUC, RAM, FISH, SAIL, etc.

45. IDENTIFICATION LIGHTS PRIMARY COLORS: RED, WHITE, GREEN. Flown from: As high on the foremast as possible or on a yard. NUC: Not Under Command: RED OVER RED; THE CAPTAIN IS DEAD RAM: RED OVER WHITE OVER RED. Do Not Pass side Red over Red. Pass side: Green over Green. TRAWLER: GREEN OVER WHITE…TRAWLING AT NIGHT FISH: RED OVER WHITE; FISHING AT NIGHT PILOT BOAT: WHITE OVER RED; PILOT AHEAD CBD: THREE REDS IN A ROW; NO ROOM BELOW SAIL: RED OVER GREEN; A SAILING MACHINE

46. SOUND SIGNALS Whenever it becomes necessary to signal another vessel of your intended course changes or that you are going to make them, they are communicated by a WHISTLE, HORN OR LIGHT in a series of dots and dashes. DOT = one short blast by whistle or light of one second duration DASH= one PROLONGED BLAST by whistle or light OF 4-6 SECOND DURATION. ***NOTE*** there is no such thing as a LONG BLAST! No matter where you hear it or who says it!

47. SOUND and LIGHT SIGNALS Vessels less than 12 meters do NOT REQUIRE either a whistle or a bell, but this does NOT relieve the vessel from having this equipment or some other means of making an efficient sound signal.

48. ACTION/WARNING SIGNALS • One short blast: You are going to turn your boat to your right •   Two short blasts:You are going to turn your boat to the left •  Three short blasts: “I AM OPERATING ASTERN PROPULSION •    + Five or more short blasts : The International DANGER or DOUBT signal. •  Four Shorts: Reserved for the PILOT BOAT ONLY! It says “I am a PILOT BOAT” Stay away! 

49. HOW THEY ARE INTERPRETED ONE SHORT BLAST: (In sight of other vessel) Inland Rules: I INTEND TO LEAVE YOU ON MY PORT SIDE. Requires CONSENT and REPLY. Same signal as sent. International Rules ( OPEN WATER): I AM ALTERING COURSE TO STARBOARD. No Reply or consent required in open water. Clear the area and “GO”! Note: Draw a diagram of this maneuver. Look at the maneuver relative to another boat and the literal interpretation. It’s just common sense.

50. INTERPRETATION OF SOUND SIGNALS SIGNAL: TWO SHORT BLASTS : INLAND WATERS: I INTEND TO LEAVE YOU ON MY STARBOARD SIDE. CONSENT AND REPLY: Same signal sent. INTERNATIONAL WATERS: I am altering course to Port. CONSENT AND REPLY (None in open water): None: Clear the area and “GO”!