Rule 5, 6, 7 and 8

Expanded Explanation for Rule 5 - Lookout

Rule 5 of the COLREGs emphasizes the need for vessels to maintain a proper lookout by sight, hearing, and all available means.

Key Points of Rule 5

  1. Proper Lookout:
    • Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
    • Example: A fishing vessel navigating at night uses both visual lookout and radar to detect other vessels and obstacles, ensuring safe navigation.

Expanded Explanation for Rule 6 - Safe Speed

Rule 6 of the COLREGs mandates that vessels must proceed at a safe speed to avoid collisions.

Key Points of Rule 6

  1. Determining Safe Speed:
    • Rule 6(a): Factors to consider when determining safe speed include visibility, traffic density, maneuverability, background lighting, sea conditions, and draft relative to the available depth of water.
    • Example: A bulk carrier reduces speed in foggy conditions to ensure it can stop or maneuver safely if necessary.

Expanded Explanation for Rule 7 - Risk of Collision

Rule 7 of the COLREGs requires vessels to determine if there is a risk of collision and take appropriate action.

Key Points of Rule 7

  1. Risk Assessment:
    • Rule 7(a): Vessels should use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances to determine if a risk of collision exists.
    • Example: A cargo ship uses radar and Automatic Identification System (AIS) to track nearby vessels and assess the risk of collision.
  2. Assumptions Based on Scanty Information:
    • Rule 7(b): Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information.
    • Example: A container ship avoids making decisions based solely on brief radar contacts and instead confirms the position and movement of other vessels using multiple sources.

Expanded Explanation for Rule 8 - Action to Avoid Collision

Rule 8 of the COLREGs specifies the actions vessels must take to avoid collisions.

Key Points of Rule 8

  1. Timely and Substantial Action:
    • Rule 8(a): Any action taken to avoid collision shall be taken in accordance with the Rules and, if the circumstances of the case admit, be positive, made in ample time, and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship.
    • Example: A bulk carrier takes early and decisive action to alter course when detecting a risk of collision with a fishing vessel.
  2. Course and Speed Alterations:
    • Rule 8(b): Alterations of course and/or speed to avoid collision shall be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or by radar.
    • Example: A tanker makes a significant turn to starboard to avoid a collision with a nearby yacht, ensuring the maneuver is easily visible.
  3. Efficient Action:
    • Rule 8(c): Action taken to avoid collision with another vessel shall result in passing at a safe distance. The effectiveness of the action shall be carefully checked until the other vessel is finally past and clear.
    • Example: A ferry continually monitors the position of a passing cargo ship to ensure that the action taken maintains a safe distance until clear.