1.
Purpose of COLREGs:
The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) are rules
to promote safe navigation and prevent collisions between vessels at sea. They establish
guidelines on how vessels should interact and communicate, particularly in situations where
there is a risk of collision including the use of navigation lights, sound signals, and other
communication methods. By adhering to these rules, vessels can safely navigate in crowded
or unfamiliar waters, avoiding collisions and ensuring the efficient movement of goods and
people by sea.
2. Vessels Covered by COLREGs:
The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) apply to all
vessels operating on the high seas and other waters, regardless of their size, type, nationality.
This includes:
I. Merchant Ships, this invves of the vessels engaged in commercial activities, such as
transportation of goods or passengers.
II,Fishing Vessels, this involves of the boat used for fishing activities.
III,,Recreational Boats,this involves of the Yachts, sailboats, motorboats, and other pleasure
craft.
IV, Military Vessels,this involves of the naval ships and submarines used for defense and
military purposes.
V,Government Vessels ,this involves of the boats operated by government agencies for
various duties, such as law enforcement, search and rescue, or scientific research.
VI,Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Vessels ,this involves of the boats operated by
NGOs for humanitarian, environmental, or developmental purposes.
VII,Special Purpose Vessels,this involves of the boats designed for specific tasks, such as oil
rigs, research vessels, or emergency response boats.
3. The following are the significances of Rule 5 in COLREGs.
I. Navigation Freedom,this involves of that its emphasizes the vessels have the right
to navigate freely without interference, provided they do not pose a risk to others.
This principle is fundamental to the fair use of maritime routes and channels.
II. Collision avoidance ,this provides a clear guideline for vessels to take action to
avoid collisions. By altering course to starboard, vessels can effectively manage
the risk of collisions in crowded or uncertain conditions.
III. Predictability and Order, this rule introduces a predictable and orderly system for
navigation. By following this rule, mariners can anticipate the actions of other
vessels and make safe maneuvers.
IV. Safety,this involves of the , Rule 5 is designed to enhance safety at sea by
reducing the risk of collisions. By ensuring that vessels give way appropriately, it
helps prevent accidents and ensures the safety of both crew and passengers.
4. Action for Power-driven Vessels Meeting Head-On.
When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, each should alter its course to
starboard so that they pass port-to-port. This maneuver helps avoid collisions by
ensuring that both vessels move in a predictable manner.
5. Action for a Power-driven Vessel Overtaking Another.
A power-driven vessel overtaking another must keep out of the way of the vessel being
overtaken, regardless of the direction it is coming from. The overtaking vessel should take
early and safe action to pass at a safe distance.
6. Lights Required for a Power-driven Vessel Underway at Night:
A power-driven vessel underway at night must display a green light on the starboard
(right) side, a red light on the port (left) side, and a white masthead light (or two if the vessel
is longer than 50 meters) along with a stern light.
7. Rule 12 (Sailing Vessels):
Rule 12 covers the conduct of sailing vessels in relation to each other. When two
sailing vessels are approaching each other with a risk of collision, certain rules determine
which vessel should give way, typically based on the wind direction.
The rules are generally as follows:
I)If both vessels have the wind on different sides, the vessel with the wind on its port (left)
side must give way.
II)If both vessels have the wind on the same side, the vessel to windward (upwind) must give
way to the vessel to leeward (downwind).
III) If a vessel with the wind on its port side sees another vessel to windward and cannot
determine which side the other vessel has the wind on, it should give way.
These rules help sailing vessels avoid collisions by determining right of way based on wind
position.
8. Sound Signal in Restricted Visibility:
In restricted visibility, a power-driven vessel making way (underway and moving)
should sound one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes.And this
sound signal helps alert nearby vessels of its presence to prevent collisions in low-
visibility conditions.
9.
The purpose of Rule 19 in COLREGs is to provide guidance for the conduct of vessels when
they are navigating in or near areas of restricted visibility, such as fog, heavy rain, or snow.
Rule 19 applies when vessels are not in sight of one another and outlines specific actions to
avoid collisions.
The following are the key aspects of Rule 19 include:
I)Speed and Precaution: Vessels must proceed at a safe speed that allows them to take
appropriate action to avoid collisions.
II) Use of Equipment: Vessels should use radar and other available equipment to detect
nearby vessels and assess collision risks.
III) Sound Signals: Vessels must sound appropriate signals as prescribed in the rules to
indicate their presence and movement.
IV) Avoiding Close-Quarter Situations: Vessels should take early and substantial action to
avoid situations where they are in close quarters with other vessels detected by radar or
sound signals.
10. Give-way Vessel in a Crossing Situation:
In a crossing situation as per COLREGs, the give-way vessel is the one that has the other
vessel on its starboard (right) side. The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action
to avoid crossing in front of the stand-on vessel, typically by altering course or slowing
down. The stand-on vessel, which has the give-way vessel on its port (left) side, should
maintain its course and speed unless it becomes clear that the give-way vessel is not taking
appropriate action.
