COLREGS
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
CHECK YOUR SPEED
collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate
Rule 6 requires you to make your own judgement on the appropriate speed for your
to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.
vessel, taking into account the situation you are in and the situation you are moving
towards. Excessive speed contributes to many collisions.
Rule 5 on look-out and Rule 6 are closely linked. If you do not obey Rule 5, then you
(a) By all vessels:
In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those taken into account: cannot obey Rule 6.
Generally a ‘safe speed’ is a reduced speed, because:
(i) the state of visibility; In most cases, if either ship reduces speed, their closest point of approach (CPA)
(ii) the traffic density including concentrations of fishing vessels or any other vessels; will increase. The risk of collision will then reduce.
(iii) the manoeuvrability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and
It gives you more time to think and to act. Time to think and to act is all
important – too much speed and too little time can fatally impair your risk
turning ability in the prevailing conditions;
(iv) at night the presence of background light such as from shore lights or from back
assessment processes.
It allows you to stop more effectively.
scatter of her own lights;
(v) the state of wind, sea and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards;
If a collision does occur, the resulting damage will be a lot less.
(vi) the draught in relation to the available depth of water.
Remember:
(b) Additionally, by vessels with operational radar:
You are responsible for proceeding at a safe speed. If an alteration of speed
is necessary, then you do not have to ask permission.
(i) the characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment; Radar and ARPA are not infallible. They may miss some targets altogether or they
(ii) any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use;
may show large targets as weak echoes.
(iii) the effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather and other sources
Navigational aids such as ECDIS and GPS can be equally suspect. Never rely
on one instrument or on one technique – always cross-check.
of interference;
(iv) the possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating objects may not
Constantly monitor your speed – the situation at sea is always changing and a safe
speed in one situation can be too fast in another. Situations can change suddenly.
be detected by radar at an adequate range;
(v) the number, location and movement of vessels detected by radar;
Maintaining a high speed for commercial reasons is no excuse and no defence
for proceeding at an unsafe speed.
(vi) the more exact assessment of the visibility that may be possible when radar
is used to determine the range of vessels or other objects in the vicinity. SUMMARY
Always travel at a safe speed.
The North of England P&I Association Limited, The Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DU, UK
Telephone: +44 191 232 5221 Facsimile: +44 191 261 0540 E-Mail: [email protected] www.nepia.com
