How to Comply with Collision Regulations: Best Practices for Mariners

Posted on Jul 23, 2024 at 08:07 PM

Going into the middle of the ocean and the sight of the endless, vast, and limitless ocean is something very special. However, these seas will only remain friendly to sailors when collision regulations are adhered to.

In this article, we define what collision regulations are and how they prevent accidents from commonly happening all the time

Guide to collision regulations

COLREG, or Collision Regulations, are a body of rules adopted by the International Maritime Organisation to ensure the safety of ships and avoid accidents that may lead to a collision at sea. These regulations are formalized under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and are commonly known as the Rules of the Road for Mariners.

Here are some key aspects of COLREGs:

Part A - General

This section provides information on the scope of the regulations and definitions that have been used in the regulations. It defines in detail the sort of vessels the regulations apply to and in what conditions and how to avoid vessel operational challenges.

Chapter 5: Part B – Steering and Sail Rules

This is the central part of the checklist that outlines the duties of all vessels regarding collision avoidance. It includes rules on:

Vessel conduct in Any Condition of Visibility: Explains the minimum measures that must be followed to ensure secure navigation at all times.
Conduct of Vessels approaching One Another: Defines the proper circumstances according to which one of the vessels is required to depart from the course (for example, crossing or overtaking).
Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility: Explains measures to be taken and precautions to be observed as a result of the limited visibility.

3. Part C – Lights and shapes

These rules involve the light and shapes that are required to be exhibited by the vessels to show their status and operations; such as being underway or anchored or fishing etc. Such signals assist the mariners in observing the movements of the fellow ships especially during the night or in conditions of low visibility.

4. Part D: Sound and Light Signals

Here, the rules describe the sound signals (such as horn signals) and light signals that vessels apply to convey their actions or status. These include:

Essential action to take for changing one’s heading to the right or left side.
Signs of vessels in limited visibility.
Distress signals that indicate urgency.

5. Part E - Exemptions

This part offers some relief from the strict provisions of the regulations where necessary by permitting specific vessels to do otherwise for safety or practical consideration.

6. Annexes

These annexes provide information on certain aspects that are not the main rules but are additional information on the technical specifications of the headlights, sound signal appliances, and other equipment and devices.

Examples of Key Rules

Rule 5: Lookout - Every vessel must maintain a proper lookout by sight, hearing, and all available means to avoid collisions.
Rule 6: Safe Speed - Vessels must travel at a safe speed so they can take effective action to avoid collisions.
Rule 9: Narrow Channels - Vessels navigating through narrow channels must keep as close as secure and practicable to the outer limit of the channel on their starboard side.
Rule 18: Responsibilities Between Vessels - Different types of vessels (e.g., power-driven, sailing, fishing) have specific responsibilities when they encounter each other.

Why are these collision regulations important?

Collision regulation guides boats traveling in waters. As some of the Best maritime law courses in London will teach you, they exist for a very important reason, here's why:

Reputation and Trust

Companies and individuals who strictly adhere to the provisions of COLREGs are generally considered more respectable by the public, clients, and the law.
It can result in more favorable business prospects, higher levels of trust, and a more robust perception of safety and professionalism.

Insurance and Liability

Insurance companies may demand that vessels adhere to COLREGs before they are consolidated for the damages.
If there is an accident and it is found out that one of the vessels involved was not compliant with the obligations then they will be considered at fault and will be made to pay for the damages regardless of the conditions.

Standardized Practices

COLREGs lay down the comprehensive code of conduct that applies to all involved vessels irrespective of the nationality of the ship or the geographical area of operation.
This standardization ensures that vessels can act as expected and in harmony with other vessels on the waterways to minimize the chances of an accident due to misunderstanding.

Legal Compliance

Any ship that's at sea is obliged to comply with the legal obligation in regard to traffic terms and the correct procedures for risk prevention.
Non-compliance with COLREGs may attract legal ramifications including fines, revocation of license, or even prosecution in cases of a collision.

To sum it up, collision regulations are vital in creating order, safety, and environmentalism for the benefit of the marine business. Consequently, by adhering to the provisions of COLREGs, mariners can stop accidents, save lives, and enhance the efficient functioning of the international marine order.