(RR) Rules of the Road
Part B - Steering and Sailing Rules - Conduct of Vessels
in Any Condition of Visibility : Lecture Notes
Section I - Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
Rule 5 - Lookout
A proper look-out shall be maintained at all times. (Rule 5)
When navigating in thick fog with the radar on, you should station a look-out as low
down and far forward as possible. (Rule 5)
The rule regarding look-outs applies in restricted visibility, between dusk and dawn,
and in heavy traffic. (Rule 5)
Rule 6 – Safe Speed
“Safe Speed” is defined as the speed where you can take proper and effective action to
avoid collision. (Rule 6)
A vessel must proceed at a safe speed at all times. (Rule 6)
The Navigation Rules state that a vessel shall be operated at a safe speed at all times so
that she can be stopped within a distance appropriate to the existing circumstances and
conditions. (Rule 6)
The Rules state that certain factors are to be taken into account when determining safe
speed. Those factors include the state of the wind, sea, and current, and the proximity of
navigational hazards. (Rule 6 (a) (v))
The Rules require the location of vessels detected by radar as one of the factors to be
taken into account when determining safe speed. (Rule 6 (a) (v))
Part B - Steering and Sailing Rules - Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
Rule 7 – Risk of Collision
You are approaching another vessel and are not sure whether a danger of collision
exists. According to the Rules you must assume that there is risk of collision.
(Rule 7 (a))
A vessel equipped with operational radar must use it to obtain early warning of risk of
collision. (Rule 7 (a) (b))
Risk of collision exists when an approaching vessel has a generally steady bearing and
decreasing range. (Rule 7 (d) (i))
The Rules state that risk of collision shall be deemed to exist if the bearing of an
approaching vessel does not appreciably change. (Rule 7 (d) (i))
You are watching another vessel approach and her compass bearing is NOT changing.
This means that a risk of collision exists. (Rule 7 (d) (i))
Rule 8 – Action to Avoid Collision
The Rules require that any action taken to avoid a collision must be positive and made
in ample time. (Rule 8 (a))
When taking action to avoid collision, you should make sure the action is taken in
enough time. (Rule 8 (a))
When in sight of another vessel and there is sufficient sea room, any action taken to
avoid collision must not result in another close quarters situation. (Rule 8 (c))
When action to avoid a close quarter situation is taken, a course change alone may be
the most effective action provided that it is a large course change. (Rule 8 (c))
Under the Rules, any vessel may slacken her speed, stop, or reverse her engines to allow
more time to assess the situation, avoid collision, or to stop in an appropriate distance.
(Rule 8 (e))
Part B - Steering and Sailing Rules - Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility
Rule 9 – Narrow Channels
A vessel proceeding along a narrow channel shall keep as near as safe and practicable to
the limit of the channel on her starboard side. (Rule 9 (a) INT; Rule 9 (a) (i) Inland)
In narrow channels, vessels of less than 20 meters shall not impede the safe passage of
vessels which can navigate only inside the channel. (Rule 9 (b))
A vessel sailing and a fishing vessel shall NOT impede the passage of a vessel which can
safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway. (Rule 9 (b))
A sailing vessel is proceeding along a narrow channel and can safely navigate ONLY
inside the channel. The sailing vessel approaches a vessel engaged in fishing. The
Navigational Rules direct the fishing vessel not to impede the passage of the sailing
vessel. (Rule 9 (c))
You are about to cross a narrow channel when you see an approaching vessel that can
only be navigated safely within the channel. You should not cross the channel if you
might impede the other vessel. (Rule 9 (d))
Rule 10 – Traffic Separation Schemes
Systems of inbound lanes to promote the safe flow of vessel traffic in certain areas
around the world are known as traffic separation schemes. (Rule 10)
A vessel using a traffic separation scheme is forbidden to proceed through an
inappropriate traffic lane. (Rule 10 (b) (i))
In a traffic separation scheme, when joining a traffic lane from the side, a vessel shall
do so at as small an angle as possible. (Rule 10 (b) (iii))
A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall avoid anchoring in areas near the
termination of the scheme. (Rule 10 (g)
Part B - Steering and Sailing Rules - Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility