SEAMANSHIP CH. 8 NAVRULES The study material for this chapter should include the USCG Auxiliary Student Study Guide, the chapter on NAVIGATION RULES in.

SEAMANSHIP CH. 8 NAVRULES

The study material for this chapter should include the USCG Auxiliary Student Study Guide, the chapter on NAVIGATION RULES in CHAPMAN’s Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling and THE USCG PUBLICATION COMDTINST M16672.2C, NAVIGATION RULES, INTERNATIONAL AND INLAND and this Power Point Presentation.

The study questions and those on the final examination are covered in the study materials noted above.

72 COLREGS *1. An acronym for COLLISION REGULATIONS.

2. TWO sets: International and Inland

3. Inland separated from International by DEMARCATION lines printed right on the navigation charts.

WHERE THEY APPLY

International rules apply: To ALL vessels on the high seas and in all waters connected therewith NAVIGABLE BY SEAGOING VESSELS.

* The COLREGS were set by convention in 1972, subject to continual amendments.

COLREGS, Cont’d

Further, these rules shall NOT interfere with special rules made by an appropriate authority. A proper authority in the U.S. would be the USCG.

***NOTE***

There is one other such set of rules, called the INLAND Rules act of 1980.

RESPONSIBILITYKNOWN AS THE “RULE OF GOOD SEAMANSHIP AND THE

GENERAL PRUDENTIAL RULE

1. Nothing in these rules shall exonerate any vessel, owner, captain or crew from penalty for the neglect of complying with the rules, or by the ordinary practice of good seamanship or by the SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES of the case

2. In following the rules, due regard SHALL be given to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES,WHICH MAY MAKE A DEPARTURE FROM THESE RULES NECESSARY TO AVOID IMMEDIATE DANGER.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Special Circumstances are considered situations NOT COVERED BY THE RULES. Since MEETING, CROSSING and OVERTAKING rules are designed for ONLY TWO vessels interacting, THREE VESSELS COMING TOGETHER IS CONSIDERED A “SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE”.

When more than two vessels interact, it becomes a SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE

PURPOSE OF THE RULESThe sole purpose of this set of rules is: TO PREVENT COLLISIONS! Period. COLLISIONS WITH ANYTHING!

If your actions in any situation produce a collision between your vessel, and ANYTHING, INCLUDING THE BOTTOM, you have broken the rules and are subject to punishment!

ADMIRALITY LAW: Some cases are tried in Admiralty Court where the justice system, unlike our civil and criminal courts which allow for a “plea”…DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR A PLEA. In Admiralty Court, you are presumed guilty as charged. The only reason you are there is to find out what the punishment will be. Mitigating circumstances are allowed to be argued but you are still GUILTY AS CHARGED.

DEFINITIONS“A POINT”

1. There are 32 points on the compass.

2. There are 360 degrees on the compass.

3. 1 POINT = 360/32= 11.25 degrees

The terminology of “POINTS’ has its roots deep in the sailor’s language and is continued today. The term “POINT” is very useful in communicating in terms of the navigation and operations language onboard a vessel.

DEFINITIONS“SHALL” and “SHOULD”

The naval services, including the U.S. Coast Guard have agreed by convention and documentation on the following interpretation(s):

SHALL is a COMMAND. There is no alternative.

SHOULD is a SUGGESTION and alternatives are available.

These interpretations and definitions are made a part of the laws governing vessels on the seas of all signing countries.

LIGHT DEFINITIONS Rule 21MASTHEAD LIGHT

A segmented white light, visible from dead ahead to 2 points abaft the beam on each side or for 112.5 degrees on each side, from dead ahead, for a total of 225 deg.

It is always displayed foreword and as high as practical, preferably on a mast .

The dark portion is ALWAYS FACING AFT.

LIGHT DEFINITIONS RULE 21SIDE LIGHTS

COLORED “RED” OR “Green”.

RED is for PORT (Port Wine) side

GREEN is for starboard.

Visible from dead ahead to 112.5 degrees only each light.

Vessels of less than 20 meters may combine the two into one lantern on the centerline such as on the bow or breasthook of the boat.

They are displayed on the bow when combined or generally near the foreword quarter on each side.

LIGHT DEFINITIONS RULE 21STERNLIGHT

A segmented white light pointed dead astern, inline with the keel and visible over an arc of 135 degrees facing dead aft; 67.5 degrees either side of the keel line. Dark side facing forward.

LIGHT DEFINITIONSTOWING LIGHT

Exactly the same as the stern light, except that it is YELLOW.

It is displayed OVER the stern light and indicates TOWING ON A HAWSER…FROM THE REAR OF THE TOWBOAT).

HINT( Yellow over white, my hawser’s tight) (Towing Hawser/cable)

LIGHT DEFINITINS RULE 21ALL ROUND LIGHT

Any light that is visible through the complete, unbroken, 360 degree circle. Generally white, green, red or yellow.

LIGHT DEFINITIONS RULE 21FLASHING LIGHT

Machinegun fast at 2 per second or 120+ per minute.

When assigned to a HOVER CRAFT or HYDROFOIL, the color is AMBER or YELLOW.

LIGHT VISIBILITY RULE 22

SIZE MASTHEAD LT. SIDELIGHT. STERNLIGHT

Less than 12M 2nm 1nm 2nm

12 – < 20M 3 2 2

20 - < 50M 5 2 2

50M or more 6 3 3

GIVE WAY VESSEL

NOTE: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS “RIGHT – OF – WAY” ANYMORE. ONLY

STAND-ON AND GIVE-WAY!

Some older texts continue to occasionally use the tem “right of way”.

The designated GIVE - WAY vessel SHALL take early and substantial action to KEEP CLEAR.

She should NOT cross the bow of the Stand ON vessel, nor create another close quarters situation by turning towards the S.O. vessel.

STAND - ON VESSEL

When one vessel must give way, the other vessel MUST HOLD COURSE and SPEED( unless operating under Rule 8)

The S.O. Vessel may take action to avoid collision as soon as it is apparent to her that the give-way vessel is not taking proper action to do so.

When vessels are so close that action by the give-way vessel alone will not avoid a collision, the other vessel must act to do so.

Action by the stand-on vessel to avoid a collision does not relieve the give-way vessel of her obligation to keep out of the way.

GIVE WAY VESSEL’S DANGER ZONE

DEFINITIONS

1. POWER DRIVEN VESSEL: Propelled by MACHINERY.

2. UNDERWAY: Not anchored, aground or made fast to shore.

3. SHORT BLAST = 1 second ; symbol =

4. PROLONGED BLAST = 4 - 6 seconds; symbol =

5. SAILING VESSEL: Propelled by SAIL ONLY

6. SAFE SPEED: Depends on a number of ingredients; visibility, traffic, your maneuverability, wind, sea, current, etc.

DEFINITIONS – CONT’d

1. VESSEL: Includes every description of water craft used as a means of transportation on the water, including Hovercraft, Hydrofoils, Seaplanes and barges.

2. POWER DRIVEN VESSEL: Any vessel propelled by machinery.

3. COMPOSITE UNIT: Special built two-part hull, when joined by hydraulic rams, is considered a motor vessel rather than a towing vessel. “Acts unto the waves as one”.

4. SAILBOAT: Any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is NOT being used.

DEFINITIONS – CONT’dSEVEN CLASSES OF VESSELS

1. NUC: Vessel Not Under Command. Due to some exceptional circumstance, cannot maneuver according to the rules. Unable

to keep out of the way. Highest priority of AVOID.

1. RAM: Restricted in Ability to Maneuver due to nature of her work. Unable to keep out of way of other vessels. Next highest order of AVOID.

2. CBD: Constrained By Draft. Cannot maneuver out of the way because of insufficient water Needs their half of channel in the middle! This designation exists ONLY in Inland rules. NOT in International rules,

SEVEN CLASSES OF VESSELS – CONT’d

4. FISHING VESSEL: Engaged in fishing with nets, lines, trawling, or other apparatus restricting her maneuvering ability.

5. SAILBOAT: Sail only; no power on.

6. POWER BOAT: Propelled by machinery

7. SUBMARINES, HOVERCRAFT in the displacement mode, SEAPLANES, etc.

Just remember: New Reels Catch Fish So Purchase Some.

Also known as the General PECKING ORDER or order of precedence.

LOOKOUT RULE

DEFINITION: A person assigned to do NOTHING except be an extra set of eyes for the captain.( NO EXCEPTIONS)

RULE: Every vessel is required to maintain a PROPER lookout at all times using eyes/ears and any other means available.

If a collision occurs, the Lookout was IMPROPER! No exceptions!

RISK OF COLLISION

EVERY vessel SHALL use every means, including radar and lookout, to help in determining if there is a risk of collision. IF THERE IS EVER ANY DOUBT, THEN THERE IS A RISK. If there was a collision, there must have been a risk!

A risk exists if the bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change. In cases of large vessels or vessels close by even a large bearing change does NOT guarantee that there is no risk of collision.

ACTION TO AVOID COLLISIONAction SHALL be positive and made in AMPLE TIME. Any alteration of course or speed to avoid collision SHALL be large enough to be understood by another vessel observing visually or by radar. Small course and speed changes should be avoided for that reason.

Any action to avoid a collision MUST NOT result in another close quarters situation.Close quarter situations should always be avoided. Perhaps a course change alone will do.

This rule allows a stand-on vessel to consider the hazards of holding course and speed. However, if the SO departs, they are still liable for breaking the rule of NOT holding course and speed. You get to explain what happened!

POWER VESSEL’S LIGHTS UNDERWAY

STANDARD RUNNING LIGHTS. SIDE LIGHTS AND STERN LIGHT.

Vessels less than 12M may, instead of other lights, exhibit an all-round white light and side lights ( as most of the small boats you see daily).

The all round white light is really a masthead light and the stern light, combined.

The 7/7 rule: Vessels less than 7 M in length with max speeds of 7 kts. May show just an all round white light and only if practicable, side lights.

ROW BOATS AND THE 7/7 RULE

A vessel under OARS, may exhibit the lights prescribed in the rules for sailing vessels or SHALL SHOW A LIGHTED LANTERN in sufficient time to prevent a collision.

Vessels less than 7 meters in length with a max attainable speed of 7 knots may show just one all round white light. If practicable, side lights.

TOWING/PUSHING LIGHTS

Powerboat, when working as a tow or pushing: One additional masthead light.

When towing a tow greater than 200M( called a LONG TOW …still another additional MH light. A tow 200M or less is called a SHORT TOW. There is no light for a short tow.

Example: 120M tow boat with a 250M tow behind = 4 MH vertically;

Two MH lights for power vessels more than 50M in length, 1 MH light for working as a tow boat and 1 for towing a tow in excess of 200 meters. Four is the maximum number of masthead lights you will ever see.

TOWING/PUSHING LIGHTS

In addition to the Masthead and side lights, power vessels towing on a hawser will show the YELLOW TOWING LIGHT above the white stern light. “YELLOW OVER WHITE, MY HAWSER’s TIGHT!”

When PUSHING ahead or towing alongside, the white sternlight is out and TWO YELLOW TOWING LIGHTS will be shown, one over the other. “YELLOW OVER YELLOW, I’M A PUSHING OR HIPTOWING FELLOW!”

KINDS OF LIGHTS

THERE ARE THREE KINDS OF NIGHT LIGHTS

1. Running lights: Tells the world you are underway and running: side lights, stern light and masthead light.

2. Working lights: Tells the world how big you are and how you are working: Masthead lights, towing lights

3. Identification lights: Tells the world who you are; NUC, RAM, FISH, SAIL, etc.

IDENTIFICATION LIGHTSPRIMARY COLORS: RED, WHITE, GREEN.

Flown from: As high on the foremast as possible or on a yard.

NUC: Not Under Command: RED OVER RED (The Captain’s Dead)

RAM: RED OVER WHITE OVER RED. Do Not Pass side Red over Red. Pass side: Green over Green.

TRAWLER: GREEN OVER WHITE…SHRIMPING AT NIGHT

FISH: RED OVER WHITE; FISING AT NIGHT

PILOT BOAT: WHITE OVER RED; PILOT AHEAD

CBD: THREE REDS IN A ROW; No room below

SAIL: RED OVER GREEN; A SAILING MACHINE

SOUND SIGNALS

Whenever it becomes necessary to signal another vessel of your intended course changes or that you are going to make them, they are communicated by a WHISTLE, HORN OR LIGHT in a series of dots and dashes.

DOT = one short blast by whistle or light of one second duration

DASH= one PROLONGED BLAST by whistle or light OF 4-6 SECOND DURATION.

***NOTE*** there is no such thing as a LONG BLAST! No matter where you hear it or who says it!

SOUND and LIGHT SIGNALS

Vessels less than 12 meters do NOT REQUIRE either a whistle or a bell, but this does NOT relieve the vessel from having this equipment or some other means of making an efficient sound signal.

ACTION/WARNING SIGNALS One short blast: You are going to turn your boat to your

right

Two short blasts:You are going to turn your boat to the left

Three short blasts: “I AM OPERATING ASTERN PROPULSION

+ Five or more short blasts : The International DANGER or DOUBT signal.

Four Shorts: Reserved for the PILOT BOAT ONLY! It says “I am a PILOT BOAT” Stay away!

HOW THEY ARE INTERPRETEDONE SHORT BLAST: (In sight of other vessel)

Inland Rules: I INTEND TO LEAVE YOU ON MY PORT SIDE.

Requires CONSENT and REPLY. Same signal as sent.

International Rules ( OPEN WATER): I AM ALTERING COURSE TO STARBOARD.

No Reply or consent required in open water. Clear the area and “GO”!

Note: Draw a diagram of this maneuver. Look at the maneuver relative to another boat and the literal interpretation. It’s just common sense.

INTERPRETATION OF SOUND SIGNALS

SIGNAL: TWO SHORT BLASTS :

INLAND WATERS: I INTEND TO LEAVE YOU ON MY STARBOARD SIDE.

CONSENT AND REPLY: Same signal sent.

INTERNATIONAL WATERS: I am altering course to Port.

CONSENT AND REPLY (None in open water): None: Clear the area and “GO”!

INTERPRETATION

THREE SHORTS: I am operating ASTERN PROPULSION.

This is NOT an action signal and requires no consent or reply.

NOTICE: Do not read anything into this statement.This does NOT say he is backing down or that he has specific motion of any kind. Small boats react almost immediately to power applications. Large vessels must overcome inertia before they actually begin to move. It is more apparent when a large vessel is in normal cruise and then needs to stop. It may take several to many hours of max power in astern propulsion, for the large vessel to even begin to slow down, much less stop.

ASTERN PROPULSION

SAFE SPEED

CONSIDERATIONS:

Visibility

Traffic

Your vessel’s maneuverability

Weather situation

Wind, sea, current

IS ALWAYS A JUDGEMENT CAL L

MEETING – CROSSING - OVERTAKING

Underway, a vessel is ALWAYS in one of three configurations: MEETING, CROSSING or OVERTAKING

MEETING: BOW TO BOW.At night: Both side lights of the other vessel are visible.

CROSSING: Only one side of other vessel is in view. Nighttime, only one sidelight is in view.

OVERTAKING: Approaching from more than 2 points abaft the beam, either side. Night lights; of the running lights, only the stern light of the other vessel will be visible.

MEETING

MEETINGPASSING PORT TO PORT

One short blast each

NORMAL PASSING

CROSSING

OVERTAKING

GIVE WAY VESSEL

DANGER ZONE1. EVERY VESSEL HAS A DANGER ZONE WHICH EXTENDS

FROM DEAD AHEAD TO 2 POINTS ABAFT THE BEAM ON THE STARBOARD SIDE ONLY.

2. ANY VESSEL ENTERING YOUR DANGER ZONE, no matter how, AUTOMATICALLY BECOMES THE STANDON VESSEL.. While such, he must hold his course and speed at all times.

3. At the same time, your vessel automatically becomes the GIVEWAY VESSEL and must stay out of the way of the STAND ON vessel at all times.

4. The STAND ON – GIVE WAY situation results from VESSEL INTERACTION with other vessels only.

ANCHORED SIGNALS IN FOG1. Vessels less than 100 meters: Rapid ringing of the Bell for 5

seconds.

2. Vessels 100 meters or more: Rapid ringing of the Bell forward, then rapid sounding of the GONG from the aft. Each for 5 seconds.

3. Signals to be repeated in intervals of NOT LESS THAN one minute.

4. Can supplement regular sound signal with SHORT – PROLONGED – SHORT BLASTS Which say..”ships position stationary!

5. For the PILOT BOAT: four shorts AFTER THE BELL SIGNALS.

AGROUND SIGNALS IN FOG

SAME SIGNALS AS ANCHORED, EXCEPT ADD THREE STRONG CLAPS ON THE BELL BEFORE AND AFTER THE RAPID RINGING OF THE BELL. The three strong claps on the bell DO NOT go with the GONG…Only on the Bell! Sound the GONG the same as if you were anchored.

Repeat interval is also NOT LESS THAN one minute.

SPECIAL NOTE: Care must be taken NOT to sound a bell too frequently, so as to make it sound like a continuous signal. ANY CONTINUOUS SOUND SIGNAL IS CONSIDERED TO BE AN INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS SIGNAL.

DAY SHAPESDay shapes are BLACK in color and vary in size. They are either Balls, Diamonds or Triangles except for one Basket and one Cylinder. They are flown when needed from the highest point or yard where they can be readily seen.

ANCHORED: One Black ball fits all.

NUC: Two black balls, one over the other

AGROUND: Three black balls vertically

MINE SWEEPER: Three black balls in a triangle

RAM: Ball – Diamond – Ball vertically. Two black diamonds vertically on the pass side. Two black balls on the no-pass side, vertically.

DAY SHAPES CONT’DLONG TOW( more than 200 M): Single black diamond

SHORT TOW: NONE

SAIL UNDER POWER: Single black triangle with the apex DOWN

GEAR EXTENDED 150M +: Single black triangle on it’s base.

FISHING/TRAWLING: Two black triangles, base – to - base (hour glass)

FISH LESS THAN 20 M: Basket painted black(or any color)

CBD: Single black cylinder.

PILOT BOAT: NONE

NIGHT LIGHTS

IDENTIFICATION LIGHTS may be red, green or white and are ALL ROUND, 360 DEGREE LIGHTS.

NAVIGATION OR RUNNING LIGHTS ARE SHIELDED either white, red or green.

WARNING LIGHTS may be red or blue or yellow or amber, all round or shielded and fixed or flashing.

NORMAL POWER VESSEL – DAYNO SIGNAL

ANCHOR - DAY

ANCHOR - NIGHT

NIGHT ANCHOR - > 50 m

VESSEL NUC - DAY

NOT UNDER COMMAND - NIGHT

AGROUND <50M - DAY

AGROUND <50m - NIGHT

AGROUND – 50M + - NIGHT

CLASSIC MINESWEEPER - DAY

MINESWEEPER - NIGHT

VESSEL RAM ( NO RESTRICTIONS TO PASS)

RAM - NIGHT

RAM – DO NOT PASS TO STARBOARD

RAM – DO NOT PASS TO STARBOARD

LESS THAN 50M – TOWING – SHORT TOW - NIGHT

LONG TOW >200m DAY

LONG TOW - NIGHT

SAIL UNDER POWER - DAY

NOTE TRIANGLE POINTING TO DECK

SAIL - NIGHT

FISHING - GEAR OUT > 150m - DAY

FISHING – GEAR OUT >150M - NIGHT

FISHING/TRAWLING – DAY20M OR MORE IN LENGTH

FISHING - NIGHT

TRAWLING - NIGHT

CBD - DAY

CBD - NIGHT

PILOT BOAT - DAY

NO DAY SHAPE

PILOT BOAT - NIGHT

COMPOSITE - NIGHT

HOVERCRAFT - NIGHTDISPLACEMENT MODE

SUB – NIGHTYELLOW LIGHT

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 11. Under the Inland Rules, two power driven vessels

meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal headings as to involve risk of collision, shall, at a distance within half a mile of each other signal to pass each other with_____ .

a. one short blast to mean “I intend to leave you on my port side”.

b. two short blasts to mean “I intend to leave you on my starboard side”.

c. three short blasts to mean”stay as you are do not alter course or speed”.

d. One short blast and one prolonged blast to mean “which way will you

alter course?”

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 2

2. Risk of collision can be ascertained by carefully watching the compass bearing of an approaching vessel. Such risk should be considered to exist if_______________

a. the bearing remains constant

b. the bearing draws rapidly aft

c. the bearing draws rapidly foreword

d. the bearing in terms of the angular measurement

from your bow peak is rapidly increasing.

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 3

3. Which of the following factors shall be taken into account when determining safe speed?

a. vessel’s fuel consumption

b. vessels maneuverability

c. vessel’s top speed

d. vessel’s length

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 4

4. The 1980 Inland Navigation Rules and the International Rules define a “power driven vessel” as_________

a. any vessel propelled by machinery

b. documented vessels only

c. a sailing vessel provided with propelling machinery that is not being used

d. large seagoing vessels only

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 5

5. In an overtaking situation, which of the following statements is NOT correct?

a. A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 22 ½ degrees abaft

the beam.

b. A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking, if in such a position to

the other vessel that at night, it is able to see one of the sidelights

of that other vessel.

c. Any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the

vessel being overtaken.

d. When a vessel is in doubt as to whether it is overtaking another, it shall assume that this is the case and act accordingly.

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 66. The 1980 Inland Navigation Rules state, that in a crossing situation_________

a. on a river, the power driven vessel ascending or

descending the river shall keep out of the way of a

vessel crossing the river.

b. the vessel which has the other on it’s starboard side

shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances

of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.

c. the vessel which has the other on it’s starboard side

shall maintain course and speed.

d. both vessels can maneuver in any manner desired.

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 77. Under the 1980 Inland Navigational Rules and the International Rules, while in fog you hear a ship’s bell being rung rapidly for about 5 seconds at intervals of not more than 1 minute, the vessel you hear is probably

_________________.

a. towing another vessel

b. aground

c. pushing another vessel

d. anchored

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 8

8. Under the International Rules and the 1980 Inland Navigational Rules, a vessel under oars _______

a. shall exhibit only a stern light

b. shall exhibit only a bow light

d. shall exhibit only combination lights

d. may exhibit the lights prescribe in the rules for

sailing vessels or shall show a lighted lantern in

sufficient time to prevent collision.

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 9

9. “Side lights” are defined as________________

a. a green light on the starboard side and red light on

the port side.

b. any colored light displayed on the side of a vessel

c. lights at the side of a vessel which can only be seen

when approaching the side of the vessel.

d. a red light on the starboard side and green light on

the port side.

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 10

10. The prescribed whistle signal for the Pilot Boat is__________

a. one short blast

b. two short blasts

c. three short blasts

d. four short blasts

END CHAPTER 8