{"id":3491,"date":"2019-06-06T12:02:26","date_gmt":"2019-06-06T12:02:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/english.bashariyat.org\/?p=3491"},"modified":"2019-06-06T12:35:19","modified_gmt":"2019-06-06T12:35:19","slug":"convention-on-the-international-regulations-for-preventing-collisions-at-sea-colregs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english.bashariyat.org\/?p=3491","title":{"rendered":"Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Done at: London<\/p>\n

Date enacted: 1972-10-20<\/p>\n

In force: 1977-07-15<\/p>\n

\n

The parties to the present Convention,<\/p>\n

Desiring<\/strong> to maintain a high level of safety at sea,<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

Mindful<\/strong> of the need to revise and bring up to date the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea<\/p>\n

Having<\/strong> considered those Regulations in the light of developments since they were approved,<\/p>\n

Have agreed as follows:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Article I<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

General obligations<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The Parties to the present Convention undertake to give effect to the Rules and other Annexes constituting the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, (hereinafter referred to as “the Regulations”) attached hereto.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Article II<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Signature, ratification, acceptance, approval and accession<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
1.<\/td>\n\n

The present Convention shall remain open for signature until 1 June 1973 and shall thereafter remain open for accession.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

2.<\/td>\n\n

States Members of the United Nations, or of any of the Specialized Agencies, or the International Atomic Energy Agency, or Parties to the Statute of the International Court of Justice may become Parties to this Convention by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
(a)<\/td>\n\n

signature without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

(b)<\/td>\n\n

signature subject to ratification, acceptance or approval followed by ratification, acceptance or approval; or<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

(c)<\/td>\n\n

accession.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

3.<\/td>\n\n

Ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall be effected by the deposit of an instrument to that effect with the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (hereinafter referred to as “the Organization”) which shall inform the Governments of States that have signed or acceded to the present Convention of the deposit of each instrument and of the date of its deposit.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Article III<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Territorial application<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
1.<\/td>\n\n

The United Nations in cases where they are the administering authority for a territory or any Contracting Party responsible for the international relations of a territory may at any time by notification in writing to the Secretary-General of the Organization (hereinafter referred to as “the Secretary-General”), extend the application of this Convention to such a territory.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

2.<\/td>\n\n

The present Convention shall, upon the date of receipt of the notification or from such other date as may be specified in the notification, extend to the territory named therein.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

3.<\/td>\n\n

Any notification made in accordance with paragraph 1 of this Article may be withdrawn in respect of any territory mentioned in that notification and the extension of this Convention to that territory shall cease to apply after one year or such longer period as may be specified at the time of the withdrawal.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

4.<\/td>\n\n

The Secretary-General shall inform all Contracting Parties of the notification of any extension or withdrawal of any extension communicated under this Article.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Article IV<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Entry into force<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
1.<\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
(a)<\/td>\n\n

The present Convention shall enter into force twelve months after the date on which at least 15 States, the aggregate of whose merchant fleets constitutes not less than 65 per cent by number or by tonnage of the world fleet of vessels of 100 gross tons and over have become Parties to it, whichever is achieved first.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

(b)<\/td>\n\n

Notwithstanding the provisions in sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph, the present Convention shall not enter into force before 1 January 1976.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
2.<\/td>\n\n

Entry into force for States which ratify, accept, approve or accede to this Convention in accordance with Article II after the conditions prescribed in sub-paragraph 1(a) have been met and before the Convention enters into force, shall be on the date of entry into force of the Convention.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

3.<\/td>\n\n

Entry into force for States which ratify, accept, approve or accede after the date on which this Convention enters into force, shall be on the date of deposit of an instrument in accordance with Article II.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

4.<\/td>\n\n

After the date of entry into force of an amendment to this Convention in accordance with paragraph 4 of Article VI, any ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall apply to the Convention as amended.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

5.<\/td>\n\n

On the date of entry into force of this Convention, the Regulations replace and abrogate the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1960.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

6.<\/td>\n\n

The Secretary-General shall inform the Governments of States that have signed or acceded to this Convention of the date of its entry into force.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Article V<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Revision Conference<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
1.<\/td>\n\n

A Conference for the purpose of revising this Convention or the Regulations or both may be convened by the Organization.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

2.<\/td>\n\n

The Organization shall convene a Conference of Contracting Parties for the purpose of revising this Convention or the Regulations or both at the request of not less than one-third of the Contracting Parties.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Article VI<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Amendments to the Regulations<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
1.<\/td>\n\n

Any amendment to the Regulations proposed by a Contracting Party shall be considered in the Organization at the request of that Party.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

2.<\/td>\n\n

If adopted by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting in the Maritime Safety Committee of the Organization, such amendment shall be communicated to all Contracting Parties and Members of the Organization at least six months prior to its consideration by the Assembly of the Organization. Any Contracting Party which is not a Member of the Organization shall be entitled to participate when the amendment is considered by the Assembly.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

3.<\/td>\n\n

If adopted by a two-third majority of those present and voting in the Assembly, the amendment shall be communicated by the Secretary-General to all Contracting Parties for their acceptance.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

4.<\/td>\n\n

Such an amendment shall enter into force on a date to be determined by the Assembly at the time of its adoption unless, by a prior date determined by the Assembly at the same time, more than one-third of the Contracting Parties notify the Organization of their objection to the amendment. Determination by the Assembly of the dates referred to in this paragraph shall be by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

5.<\/td>\n\n

On entry into force any amendment shall, for all Contracting Parties which have not objected to the amendment, replace and supersede any previous provision to which the amendment refers.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

6.<\/td>\n\n

The Secretary-General shall inform all Contracting Parties and Members of the Organization of any request and communication under this Article and the date on which any amendment enters into force.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Article VII<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Denunciation<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
1.<\/td>\n\n

The present Convention may be denounced by a Contracting Party at any time after the expiry of five years from the date on which the Convention entered into force for that Party.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

2.<\/td>\n\n

Denunciation shall be effected by the deposit of an instrument with the Organization. The Secretary-General shall inform all other Contracting Parties of the receipt of the instrument of denunciation and of the date of its deposit.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

3.<\/td>\n\n

A denunciation shall take effect one year, or such longer period as may be specified in the instrument, after its deposit.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Article VIII<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Deposit and registration<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
1.<\/td>\n\n

The present Convention and the Regulations shall be deposited with the Organization, and the Secretary-General shall transmit certified true copies thereof to all Governments of States that have signed this Convention or acceded to it.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

2.<\/td>\n\n

When the present Convention enters into force, the text shall be transmitted by the Secretary-General to the Secretariat of the United Nations for registration and publication in accordance with Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Article IX<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Languages<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The present Convention is established, together with the Regulations, in a single copy in the English and French languages, both texts being equally authentic. Official translations in the Russian and Spanish languages shall be prepared and deposited with the signed original.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

In witness whereof the undersigned being duly authorized by their respective Governments for that purpose have signed the present Convention.<\/p>\n

Done<\/strong> at London this twentieth day of October one thousand nine hundred and seventy-two.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PART A : GENERAL<\/strong><\/h4>\n

RULE 1 –\u00a0Application<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. These Rules shall apply to\u00a0all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith\u00a0navigable by sea-going vessels.<\/li>\n
  2. Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of special rules made by an appropriate authority\u00a0for road-steads, harbors, rivers, lakes or inland waterways connected with the high seas and navigable by sea-going vessels. Such special rules shall conform as closely as possible to these Rules.<\/li>\n
  3. Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of any\u00a0special rules\u00a0made by the Government of any State\u00a0with respect to additional station or signal lights or whistle signals for ships of war and vessels proceeding under convoy, or with respect to additional station or signal lights for fishing vessels engaged in fishing as a fleet. These additional station or signal lights or whistle signals shall, so far as possible, be such that they cannot be mistaken for any light or signal authorized elsewhere under these Rules.<\/li>\n
  4. Traffic separation schemes\u00a0may be adopted by the Organisation for the purpose of these Rules.<\/li>\n
  5. Whenever the Government concerned shall have determined that\u00a0a vessel of special construction or purpose cannot comply\u00a0fully with the provisions of any of these Rules with respect to the number, position, range or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, as well as to the disposition and characteristics of sound-signalling appliances, without interfering with the special function of the vessel, such vessel shall comply with such other provisions in regard to the number, position, range or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, as well as to the disposition and characteristics of sound-signalling appliances, as her Government shall have determined to be the closest possible compliance with these Rules in respect to that vessel.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \n

    RULE 2 –\u00a0Responsibility<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof, from\u00a0the consequences of any neglect to comply\u00a0with these Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.<\/li>\n
    2. In consenting and complying with these Rules\u00a0due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \n

      RULE 3 –\u00a0General definitions<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      For the purpose of these Rules, except where the context otherwise requires –<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. \n
          \n
        1. the word\u00a0“vessel”<\/i>\u00a0includes every description of water craft, including non-displacement craft and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water;<\/li>\n
        2. the term\u00a0“power-driven vessel”\u00a0<\/i>means any vessel propelled by machinery;<\/li>\n
        3. the term\u00a0” sailing vessel”<\/i>\u00a0means any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, fitted, is not being used;<\/li>\n
        4. the term\u00a0“vessel engaged in fishing”\u00a0<\/i>means any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls or other fishing apparatus which restrict maneuverability, but does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing apparatus which do not restrict maneuverability;<\/li>\n
        5. the word\u00a0“seaplane”<\/i>\u00a0includes any aircraft designed to manoeuvre on the water;<\/li>\n
        6. the term\u00a0“vessel not under command”<\/i>\u00a0means a vessel which through some exceptional circumstances is unable to manoeuvre as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel;<\/li>\n
        7. the term\u00a0“vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre”<\/i>\u00a0means a vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. The term “vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre<\/i>”\u00a0shall include but not be limited to:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
            \n
          1. \n
              \n
            1. a vessel engaged in laying, servicing or picking up a navigation mark, submarine cable or pipeline;<\/li>\n
            2. a vessel engaged in dredging, surveying or underwater operations;<\/li>\n
            3. a vessel engaged in replenishment or transferring persons, provisions or cargo while underway;<\/li>\n
            4. a vessel engaged in the launching or recovery of aircraft;<\/li>\n
            5. a vessel engaged in mine-sweeping operations;<\/li>\n
            6. a vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
            7. the term\u00a0“vessel constrained by her draught”\u00a0<\/i>means a power-driven vessel which because of her draught in relation to the available depth of water is severely restricted in her ability to deviate from the course she is following;<\/li>\n
            8. the word\u00a0“underway”\u00a0<\/i>means that a vessel is not at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground;<\/li>\n
            9. the words\u00a0“length”<\/i>\u00a0and\u00a0“breadth”<\/i>\u00a0of a vessel mean her length overall and greatest breadth;<\/li>\n
            10. vessels shall be deemed to be in sight of one another only when ore can be observed visually from the other;<\/li>\n
            11. the term\u00a0“restricted visibility”<\/i>\u00a0means any condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms or any other similar causes.<\/li>\n
            12. “mile<\/i>” means nautical mile<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

               <\/p>\n

              PART B : STEERING AND SAILING RULES<\/strong><\/h4>\n

              \u00a0SECTION I – CONDUCT OF VESSELS IN ANY CONDITION OF VISIBILITY<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

              RULE 4 –\u00a0Application<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

              Rules in this Section apply in\u00a0any condition of visibility.<\/p>\n

              RULE 5 –\u00a0Look-out<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

              Every vessel shall at all times\u00a0maintain a proper lookout\u00a0by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.<\/p>\n

              RULE 6 –\u00a0Safe speed<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

              Every vessel shall at all times\u00a0proceed at a safe speed\u00a0so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.<\/p>\n

              In determining a safe speed the following\u00a0factors\u00a0shall be among those taken into account:<\/p>\n

                \n
              1. By all vessels:\n
                  \n
                1. The state of\u00a0visibility;<\/li>\n
                2. the\u00a0traffic density\u00a0including concentrations of fishing vessels or any other vessels;<\/li>\n
                3. the\u00a0maneuverability\u00a0of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions;<\/li>\n
                4. at\u00a0night\u00a0the presence of\u00a0background light\u00a0such as from shore lights or from\u00a0back scatter\u00a0other own lights;<\/li>\n
                5. the state of\u00a0wind, sea and current, and the proximity of\u00a0navigational hazards;<\/li>\n
                6. the\u00a0draught\u00a0in relation to the available depth of water.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                7. Additionally, by vessels with operational radar:\n
                    \n
                  1. The\u00a0characteristics, efficiency and limitations\u00a0of the\u00a0radar equipment;<\/li>\n
                  2. any constraints imposed by the\u00a0radar range scale in use;<\/li>\n
                  3. the\u00a0effect on radar detection\u00a0of the\u00a0sea state, weather and other sources of interference;<\/li>\n
                  4. the possibility that\u00a0small vessels, ice and other floating objects\u00a0may not be detected by radar at an adequate range;<\/li>\n
                  5. the\u00a0number, location and movement\u00a0of vessels, detected by radar; 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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                     <\/p>\n

                    RULE 7 –\u00a0Risk of collision<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. Every vessel shall\u00a0use all available means\u00a0appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to\u00a0determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist.<\/li>\n
                    2. Proper use\u00a0shall be made\u00a0of radar equipment\u00a0if fitted and operational, including long-range scanning to\u00a0obtain early warning of risk of collision\u00a0and radar plotting or equivalent\u00a0systematic observation\u00a0of detected objects.<\/li>\n
                    3. Assumptions\u00a0shall\u00a0not be made on\u00a0the basis of\u00a0scanty information, especially scanty radar information.<\/li>\n
                    4. In determining if risk of collision exists the following\u00a0considerations\u00a0shall be among those taken into account;\n
                        \n
                      1. (i) Such risk shall be deemed to exist if the\u00a0compass bearing of an approaching vessel\u00a0does not appreciably change;<\/li>\n
                      2. (ii)such risk may sometimes exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly\u00a0when approaching a very large vessel or a tow\u00a0or when\u00a0approaching a vessel at close range.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                         <\/p>\n

                        RULE 8 –\u00a0Action to avoid collision<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        1. \n
                            \n
                          1. Any\u00a0action taken to avoid collision\u00a0shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be\u00a0positive, made in ample time\u00a0and with\u00a0due regard to the observance of good seamanship.<\/li>\n
                          2. Any\u00a0alteration of course and\/or speed to avoid collision\u00a0shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be\u00a0large enough to be readily apparent\u00a0to another vessel observing\u00a0visually or by radar\u00a0a succession of small alteration of course and\/or speed should be avoided.<\/li>\n
                          3. If there is sufficient sea room, alteration of course\u00a0alone may be the\u00a0most effective action\u00a0to avoid at close quarters situation provided that it is made in good time, is substantial and does not result in another close-quarters situation.<\/li>\n
                          4. Action taken to avoid collision\u00a0with another vessel shall be such as to result in\u00a0passing at a safe distance. The effectiveness of the action shall be carefully checked until the other vessel is finally past and clear.<\/li>\n
                          5. If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the situation, a vessel shall\u00a0slacken her speed or take all way off by stopping or reversing her means of propulsion.<\/li>\n
                          6. .\n
                              i. A\u00a0 vessel which, by any of these Rules, is required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another vessel shall, when required by the circumstances of the case, take early action to allow sufficient sea room for safe passage of the other vessel.<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                              ii. A\u00a0vessel required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another vessel is not relieved of this obligation if approaching the other vessel so as to involve risk of collision\u00a0and shall, when taking action, have full regard to the action which may be required by the Rules of this Part.<\/p>\n

                              iii. A\u00a0vessel the passage of which is not to be impeded remains fully obliged to comply with the Rules of this Part when the two vessels are approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision.<\/a><\/p>\n

                              RULE 9 –\u00a0Narrow Channels<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                \n
                              1. A\u00a0vessel\u00a0proceeding along the course of a\u00a0narrow channel or fairway\u00a0shall keep as near to the\u00a0outer limit of the channel or fairway\u00a0which lies on\u00a0her starboard side\u00a0as is safe and practicable.<\/li>\n
                              2. A\u00a0vessel of less than 20 metres in length\u00a0or a\u00a0sailing vessel\u00a0shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.<\/li>\n
                              3. A\u00a0vessel engaged in fishing\u00a0shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.<\/li>\n
                              4. A vessel shall not cross a\u00a0narrow channel or fairway\u00a0if such\u00a0crossing\u00a0impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway. The latter vessel may use the sound signal prescribed in Rule 34(d<\/i>) if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel.\n
                                  \n
                                1. in a narrow channel or fairway\u00a0when\u00a0overtaking\u00a0can take place only if the vessel to be overtaken has to take action to permit safe passing, the vessel intending to overtake shall indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c<\/i>)(1). The vessel to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c<\/i>)(2) and take steps to permit safe passing. If in doubt she may sound the signals prescribed in Rule 34(d<\/i>).<\/li>\n
                                2. this Rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligation under Rule 13.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                                3. A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall navigate with particular alertness and caution and shall sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(e<\/i>).<\/li>\n
                                4. Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid\u00a0anchoring in a narrow channel.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                  \n

                                  RULE 10 –\u00a0Traffic separation schemes<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  1. This rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the Organisation.<\/li>\n
                                  2. A\u00a0vessel using a traffic separation scheme\u00a0shall –\n
                                      \n
                                    1. proceed in the appropriate traffic lane\u00a0in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane;<\/li>\n
                                    2. so far as practicable\u00a0keep clear of a traffic separation line\u00a0or\u00a0separation zone;<\/li>\n
                                    3. normally\u00a0join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane, but when joining or leaving from the side shall do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                                    4. A vessel shall so far as practicable\u00a0avoid crossing traffic lanes, but if obliged to do so shall cross as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.\n
                                        \n
                                      1. i. A vessel shall not use an\u00a0inshore tragic zone\u00a0when she can safely use the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent traffic separation scheme. However,\u00a0vessels of less than 20 metres in length, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing may use the inshore traffic zone.<\/li>\n
                                      2. ii. Notwithstanding subparagraph (d)(i), a vessel may use an inshore traffic zone when en route to or from a port, offshore installation or structure, pilot station or any other place situated within the inshore traffic zone, or to avoid immediate danger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                                      3. A vessel\u00a0other than a crossing vessel or a vessel joining or leaving a lane shall nut normally enter a separation zone or cross a separation line except:\n
                                          \n
                                        1. in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger;<\/li>\n
                                        2. engage in fishing within a separation zone.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                                        3. A\u00a0vessel navigating in areas near the termination of traffic separation schemes\u00a0shall do so with particular caution.<\/li>\n
                                        4. A vessel shall so far as practicable\u00a0avoid anchoring in a traffic separation scheme or in areas near its termination.<\/li>\n
                                        5. A vessel\u00a0not using a traffic separation scheme\u00a0shall avoid it by as wide a margin as is practicable.<\/li>\n
                                        6. A vessel\u00a0engaged in fishing\u00a0shall not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane.<\/li>\n
                                        7. A\u00a0vessel of less than 20 metres\u00a0in length or a\u00a0sailing vessel shall not impede\u00a0the safe passage of power-driven vessel following a traffic lane.<\/li>\n
                                        8. A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre\u00a0when\u00a0engaged in\u00a0an operation for the\u00a0maintenance of safety of navigation in a traffic separation scheme\u00a0is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.<\/li>\n
                                        9. A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre\u00a0when\u00a0engaged in\u00a0an operation for the\u00a0laying, servicing or picking up of a submarine cable, within a traffic separation scheme, is\u00a0exempted\u00a0from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                           <\/p>\n

                                          SECTION II – CONDUCT OF VESSELS IN SIGHT OF ONE ANOTHER<\/strong><\/h4>\n

                                          RULE 11 –\u00a0Application<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                          Rules in this Section apply to\u00a0vessels in sight of one another.<\/p>\n

                                           <\/p>\n

                                          RULE 12 –\u00a0Sailing vessels<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          1. When\u00a0two 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:\n
                                              \n
                                            1. 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 the other;<\/li>\n
                                            2. when both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward;<\/li>\n
                                            3. if a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward\u00a0and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or on the starboard side, she shall keep out of the way of the other.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                                            4. For the purpose of this Rule\u00a0the windward side\u00a0shall be deemed to be\u00a0the side opposite to that on which the mainsail is carried\u00a0or,\u00a0in the case of a square-rigged vessel, the side opposite to that on which the largest fore- and aft sail is carried.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                               <\/p>\n

                                              RULE 13 –\u00a0Overtaking<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              1. Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules of this Section any vessel overtaking any other shall\u00a0keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.<\/li>\n
                                              2. 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, in such a position with reference to the vessel she is overtaking, that\u00a0at night she would be able to see only the sternlight\u00a0of that vessel but neither of her sidelights.<\/li>\n
                                              3. When a vessel is in any\u00a0doubt as to whether she is overtaking\u00a0another, she shall\u00a0assume\u00a0that this is the case\u00a0and act accordingly.<\/li>\n
                                              4. Any\u00a0subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels\u00a0shall not make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the meaning of these Rules or relieve her of the\u00a0duty of keeping clear\u00a0of the overtaken vessel\u00a0until she is finally past and clear.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                RULE 14 – Head-on situation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                1. When\u00a0two power-driven vessels\u00a0are\u00a0meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses\u00a0so as to involve risk of collision\u00a0each shall alter her course to starboard\u00a0so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.<\/li>\n
                                                2. Such a situation shall be deemed to exist\u00a0when a vessel sees the other ahead or nearly ahead\u00a0and\u00a0by night\u00a0she could\u00a0see the masthead lights of the other in a line or nearly in a line and\/or both sidelights\u00a0and\u00a0by day she observes the corresponding aspect\u00a0of the other vessel.<\/li>\n
                                                3. When a vessel\u00a0is in any doubt\u00a0as to whether such a situation exists she shall assume that it does exist\u00a0and act accordingly.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                   <\/p>\n

                                                  RULE 15 – Crossing situation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                  When\u00a0two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own\u00a0starboard side\u00a0shall\u00a0keep out of the way\u00a0and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit,\u00a0avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.<\/p>\n

                                                   <\/p>\n

                                                  RULE 16 –\u00a0Action by give-way vessel<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                  Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible,\u00a0take early and substantial action to keep well clear.<\/p>\n

                                                   <\/p>\n

                                                  RULE 17 – Action by stand-on vessel<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                    \n
                                                  1. \n
                                                      \n
                                                    1. (1) Where\u00a0one of two vessels is to keep out of the way\u00a0the other shall keep her course and speed.<\/li>\n
                                                    2. (2) The\u00a0latter vessel may\u00a0however\u00a0take 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 appropriate action in compliance with these Rules.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                                                    3. When, from any cause,\u00a0the vessel required to keep her course and speed finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided\u00a0by the action of the give-way vessel alone, she shall take such action as will best aid to avoid collision.<\/li>\n
                                                    4. A\u00a0power-driven vessel which takes action\u00a0in a crossing situation in accordance with subparagraph (a)(2) of this Rule\u00a0to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit,\u00a0not alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side.<\/li>\n
                                                    5. This Rule does\u00a0not relieve the give-way vessel\u00a0of her obligation to keep out of the way.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                       <\/p>\n

                                                      RULE 18 –\u00a0Responsibilities between vessels<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                      Except where Rules 9, 10 and 13 otherwise require –<\/p>\n

                                                        \n
                                                      1. a power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:-\n
                                                          \n
                                                        1. a vessel\u00a0not under command;<\/li>\n
                                                        2. a vessel\u00a0restricted\u00a0in her ability to\u00a0manoeuvre;<\/li>\n
                                                        3. a vessel engaged in\u00a0fishing;<\/li>\n
                                                        4. a\u00a0sailing vessel;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                                                        5. a sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of\u00a0:-\n
                                                            \n
                                                          1. a vessel\u00a0not under command;<\/li>\n
                                                          2. a vessel\u00a0restricted\u00a0in her ability to\u00a0manoeuvre;<\/li>\n
                                                          3. a vessel engaged in\u00a0fishing;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                                                          4. A vessel engaged in fishing when underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of:-\n
                                                              \n
                                                            1. a vessel not\u00a0under command;<\/li>\n
                                                            2. a vessel\u00a0restricted\u00a0in her ability to\u00a0manoeuvre;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                                                            3. \n
                                                                \n
                                                              1. Any vessel\u00a0other than a vessel not under comma nd or a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre shall if the circumstances of the case admit,\u00a0avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draught, exhibiting the signals in Rule 28;<\/li>\n
                                                              2. a vessel constrained by her draught shall navigate with particular caution\u00a0having full regard to her special condition.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                                                              3. A seaplane on the water shall, in general,\u00a0keep well clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation. In circumstances, however, where risk of collision exists, she shall comply with the Rules of this part.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                                RULE 19 –\u00a0Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                  \n
                                                                1. This Rule applies to\u00a0vessels not in sight of one another\u00a0when\u00a0navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility.<\/li>\n
                                                                2. Every vessel shall proceed at\u00a0a safe speed\u00a0adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel shall have her engines ready for immediate manoeuvre.<\/li>\n
                                                                3. Every vessel shall have due regard to the\u00a0prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility\u00a0when complying with the Rules of Section I of this Part.<\/li>\n
                                                                4. A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel\u00a0shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing and\/or risk of collision exists. If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, provided that when such action consists of an alteration of course, so far as possible\u00a0the following shall be avoided:\n
                                                                    \n
                                                                  1. An alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken;<\/li>\n
                                                                  2. an alteration of course towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                                                                  3. Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist,\u00a0every vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam the fog signal of another vessel, or\u00a0which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel forward of her beam, shall reduce her speed to the minimum\u00a0at which she can be kept on her course. She shall if necessary take all her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution\u00a0until danger of collision is over.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                     <\/p>\n

                                                                    PART C : LIGHTS AND SHAPES<\/h4>\n

                                                                    RULE 20 –\u00a0Application<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                      \n
                                                                    1. Rules in this Part shall be complied with\u00a0in all weathers.<\/li>\n
                                                                    2. The\u00a0Rules 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 character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out.<\/li>\n
                                                                    3. The\u00a0lights\u00a0prescribed by these Rules\u00a0shall, if carried, also be exhibited\u00a0from sunrise to sunset in\u00a0restricted visibility\u00a0and may be exhibited in\u00a0all other circumstances when it is deemed necessary.<\/li>\n
                                                                    4. The\u00a0Rules concerning shapes\u00a0shall be complied with\u00a0by day.<\/li>\n
                                                                    5. The lights and shapes specified in these Rules shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to these Regulations.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                       <\/p>\n

                                                                      RULE 21 –\u00a0Definitions<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                        \n
                                                                      1. “Masthead light”<\/i>\u00a0means a\u00a0white light\u00a0placed over the fore and aft center-line of the vessel showing an\u00a0unbroken\u00a0light\u00a0over an arc of\u00a0the horizon of\u00a0225 degrees\u00a0and so fixed as to show the light\u00a0from right ahead to 22,5 degrees abaft the beam\u00a0on either side of the vessel.<\/li>\n
                                                                      2. “Sidelights”<\/i>\u00a0means a\u00a0green light\u00a0on the\u00a0starboard side\u00a0and a\u00a0red light\u00a0on the\u00a0port side\u00a0each showing an\u00a0unbroken\u00a0light\u00a0over an arc of\u00a0the horizon of\u00a0112,5 degrees\u00a0and so fixed as to show the light from\u00a0right ahead to 22,5 degrees abaft the beam\u00a0on its respective side. In a\u00a0vessel of less than 20 metres\u00a0in length the\u00a0sidelights may be combined in one lantern\u00a0carried on the\u00a0fore and aft centre-line\u00a0of the vessel.<\/li>\n
                                                                      3. “Sternlight”\u00a0<\/i>means a\u00a0white light\u00a0placed as nearly as practicable\u00a0at the stern\u00a0showing an\u00a0unbroken\u00a0light\u00a0over an arc\u00a0of the horizon of\u00a0135 degrees\u00a0and so fixed as to show the light\u00a067,5 degrees from right aft on each side\u00a0of the vessel.<\/li>\n
                                                                      4. “Towing light”\u00a0<\/i>means a\u00a0yellow light\u00a0having the same characteristics as the\u00a0“sternlight”<\/i>\u00a0defined in paragraph (c) of this Rule.<\/li>\n
                                                                      5. “All round light”<\/i>\u00a0means a light showing an\u00a0unbroken light over an arc\u00a0of the horizon of\u00a0360 degrees.<\/li>\n
                                                                      6. “Flashing light”<\/i>\u00a0means a light\u00a0flashing at regular intervals\u00a0at a frequency of\u00a0120 flashes or more per minute.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                                         <\/p>\n

                                                                        RULE 22 –\u00a0Visibility of lights<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                                                                        The lights prescribed in these Rules shall have an\u00a0intensity\u00a0as specified in Section 8 of Annex I to these Regulations so as to be\u00a0visible at the following minimum ranges\u00a0(stated in nautical miles):<\/p>\n

                                                                          \n
                                                                        1. In vessels of 50 metres or more in length\u00a0:-\n