Glossary Archive
Rule 12: Sailing vessels
When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows: when each has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of...
Rule 13: Overtaking
Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules of Part B, Sections I and II, any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam, that is,...
Rule 14: Head-on situation
When two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision each shall alter her course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other. Such a situation shall be deemed to exist when a vessel sees the other ahead or nearly...
Rule 15: Crossing situation
When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel. This rule applies only when two power-driven vessels come...
Rule 16: Action by give-way vessel
Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear. Under the rules, a vessel defined as give-way is obliged to 'take early' and 'substantial' action to avoid a collision. Rule 16 is a summarised, single-sentence version...
Rule 17: Action by stand-on vessel
Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way the other shall keep her course and speed. The latter vessel may however take action to avoid collision by her manoeuvre alone, as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking...
Rule 18: Responsibilities between vessels
Except where Rules 9, 10 and 13 otherwise require: A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of: a vessel not under command; a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre; a vessel engaged in fishing; a sailing vessel. A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of: a vessel not...
Rule 19: Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility
This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility. Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel shall have her engines ready for immediate manoeuvre. Every vessel shall have due...
Rule 20: Application
Rules in this Part shall be complied with in all weathers. The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules or do not impair their visibility or distinctive...
Rule 21: Definitions
"Masthead light" means a white light placed over the fore and aft centreline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel. "Sidelights" means a...