How to Know When not to Follow the Rules of the Road

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By chippreid
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The Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, known colloquially as 72COLLREGS has another name--the Rules of the Road. These rules cover every mariner in every and any type of vessel, right down canoes, kayaks and windsurfers. The rules are in place to prevent collisions at sea and spell out every method from light and sound signals to maneuvering vessels must take to avoid collisions. According to 72 COLLREGS, which the U.S. Coast Guard publishes as “Navigation Rules, International-Inland,” every mariner must follow the Rules of the Road or face some pretty stiff penalties. There is, however, one and only one instance when mariners can toss the book overboard and that comes in the rare and extremely dangerous instance when, despite the following the Rules of the Road, there is no way to avoid a collision. Of course, judging when this situation crops up-–at least according to the Rules--is a bit fuzzy. This guide, in a very general way, will give the novice mariner some idea of the extreme conditions under which someone should ignore the Rules of the Road and take any action necessary to avoid a collision.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Boat
Air horn, whistle or bell
Knowledge of 72COLLREGS

Step 1

Your vessel loses power and is in imminent danger of foundering or colliding with another boat or an approaching vessel loses power, signals it has lost the ability to navigate or is otherwise unable to avoid you, you should immediately alter course or speed to avoid collision or signal your inability to maneuver to allow other vessels to avoid you.
Step 2

Any maneuver you take must be “large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing or by radar.” Consult COLLREGS, page 19.
Step 3

When maneuvering to avoid a collision, don’t crowd other vessels and create more possible collisions.
Step 4

Keep a very close eye on the other vessels until you are well clear of the danger or the other vessel clears you. Never assume because you take action the danger is over.