nautical rules of the road
TRANSCRIPT
CHAPTER 1
NAUTICAL RULES OF THE ROAD
Nautical traffic laws
are known as the
Nautical Rules of
of the Road.
Nautical Rules of the Road were first
established in 1897 by all maritime
nations of the world. The latest major
revision was in 1972.
International Inland
International Rules of the Road
The official name is The International
Regulations for Preventing Collisions
at Sea, 1972, or ―the 72 COLREGS.‖
Convention on the International
Regulations for Preventing Collisions
at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs)
The COLREGs include 38 rules divided
into five sections:
• Part A - General
• Part B - Steering and Sailing
• Part C - Lights and Shapes
• Part D - Sound and Light Signals
• Part E - Exemptions
The inland rules for the U.S. were
established by Congress under The
Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980.
Inland Waters – Unified Rules
Purpose of
the Rules
Prevent
Collisions
The rules govern all
waterborne traffic.
Power Vessel
Propelled by
machinery, even
if under sail
Sailing Vessel
Under sail alone,
even if machinery
is aboard
A vessel is underway
when not:
• Anchored
• Moored to a dock
or buoy
• Aground
A vessel that is not anchored,
moored, or aground
It is not required that you are
moving or making way.
Underway
Both international and inland rules of
the road cover:
• Lights and shapes
• Sound signals
• Steering and sailing rules
• Distress signals
Maritime courts
of law use both
international and
inland rules after
a collision to
decide who will
pay for damages.
Display lights from sunset to sunrise
and in periods of restricted visibility.
Do not display lights that could be
mistaken for required lights.
Running Lights
(Port, Starboard, and Stern)
Running Lights
(Masthead and Range)
Any of various lights required to
be displayed by vessels operating
between sunset and sunrise
Running Lights
Running lights are white, red, and
green lights carried by all seagoing
power-driven vessels underway.
Masthead Light
225°
The white light in the fore part of the ship
is required for all ocean-going ships.
All-around white light.
Masthead Light
(Vessels less
than 12 meters,
39 feet)
360°
Range Light
(Vessels over 50 meters or 150 feet)
Masthead Light
Range Light
(15 feet higher than
Masthead Light)
Stern Light
A ship underway must display a white
stern light.
12 Pts.
135°
Running Lights
Port
Starboard
112.5°
112.5°
What side of a vessel is called the port
side, and what color is its sidelight?
What side of a vessel is called the
starboard side, and what color is its
sidelight?
What side of a vessel is called the port
side, and what color is its sidelight?
Left and red
What side of a vessel is called the
starboard side, and what color is its
sidelight?
Right and green
An easy way to remember is
―Port wine is red.‖
The angular dimension (horizontal
arc in degrees) within which a light
can be seen from a location off the
vessel
Arc of Visibility
What is the required arc of visibility, in
degrees, of the following ship’s lights?
Masthead light:
Sidelights:
All-around light:
Stern light:
What is the required arc of visibility, in
degrees, of the following ship’s lights?
Masthead light:
Sidelights:
All-around light:
Stern light:
225°
112.5°
360°
135°
The white masthead and range lights, together with
sidelights, indicate the course of the sighted ship.
The white stern light warns overtaking
ships that another ship is ahead.
―Reading‖ Navigation Lights
(Vessels Underway)
―Reading‖ Navigation Lights
(Vessels Underway)
STAR-
BOARDPORT
B
O
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S
T
E
R
N
The upper white lights must be visible
from a distance of at least 5 miles.
The port and
starboard sidelights
and the stern light
must be visible at
least 2 miles away.
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The international and inland rules agree
in the arcs of visibility required by the
lights shown.
Power-driven motorboats
• Range light optional
• Masthead light visible for at least 3 miles
• Stern and sidelights visible for 1 mile
Pilot Boat
A boat carrying pilots to or from
large ships
Pilot Boat
Pilot Boat
―White over red, pilot ahead‖
is a memory aid used when
looking for a pilot boat.
Pilot Boat
A vessel engaged in pilotage duties may
sound an optional identity signal of four
short blasts on its horn.
Vessel at Anchor
Ships less than 50 meters in length at anchor
show an all-around white light forward.
Ships more than 50 meters in length show an
all-around white light forward and aft.
Vessel at Anchor
In daytime, vessels
at anchor must display
a black ball, known as a dayshape.
Dayshape
Vessel at Anchor
Dayshape
Vessel Towing
Vessels towing must:
• Display two masthead lights in
a vertical line.
• If the tow extends beyond 200
meters, a third light must be
added below the second light.
A ship or craft that is disabled and
cannot operate in accordance with
the Rules of the Road
Vessel Not under Command
Not Making Way
Day
Shape
Vessel Not under Command
Making Way
Day
Shape
Vessel Not under Command
A ship not under command at night must show
two red lights, one over the other. They must be
visible all around the horizon at a distance of 2
miles.
Vessels Not under
Command during
Daylight
Merchant ships will hoist two
black balls.
Naval vessels will hoist the
―5‖ flag and two black balls.
Other lights and day shapes are
prescribed for various operations
such as:
• Commercial fishing
• Cable laying
• Underwater or diving operations
• Dredging
Some examples of day shapes follow.
Special Rules for Naval Vessels
The horizontal separation of white lights
on destroyers and smaller ships is often
less than that required by the rules.
The white lights on aircraft carriers are
usually on the superstructure and off the
centerline.
Special lights such as speed lights,
carrier-landing lights, and colored
recognition lights may be shown on
naval vessels during certain operations.
During ship exercises, naval vessels
may show no lights at all.
In peacetime, however, if a merchant ship
approaches, lights are usually turned on.
MINESWEEPER
When lights are required, the three black
balls are replaced with three green lights.
Amber-colored intermittent flashing
beacon – 3 seconds on – 3 seconds
off when submarine running surfaced,
in addition to other required lights
Whistle Signals
Whistle signals are required by both sets
of rules for vessels maneuvering within
sight of one another.
INLAND
RULES
Signifies intention only. A response
IS required.
INTERNATIONAL
RULES
Signifies execution of maneuver.
A response is NOT required.
Duration Times for
Whistle Signals
Short Blast: TOOT
Prolonged: T - O - O - T
Long Blast: T – O – O – T
I 1 second I
I 4 - 6 seconds I
I 8 - 10 seconds I
INTERNATIONAL
1 Short Blast:
―I am altering
my course to
starboard.‖
INTERNATIONAL
2 Short Blasts:
―I am altering
my course to
port.‖
INTERNATIONAL
3 Short Blasts:
―My engines are
going astern.‖
INTERNATIONAL - INLAND
5 Short Blasts:
―DANGER!’
Confusion over whistle signals probably
causes more collisions than any other
part of the rules of the road.
Both international and inland rules
consider the situation in which two
ships are approaching each other
with the risk of collision. They are:
• Meeting
• Overtaking
• Crossing
Give-Way Vessel — Must keep clear
Stand-On Vessel — Has the right of way
The risk of a collision exists when
the bearing of an approaching vessel
remains constant.
A collision at sea can ruin your whole
day.
General Rules to Avoid Collision
1. Take action in ample time.
2. Make the passing agreement
signals.
3. Make obvious changes.
4. Check and recheck your actions
until clear of other vessels.
5. If necessary, stop or reverse your
engines.
INLAND
Meeting
Situation
One Short Blast
Port to Port
Give-way
Vessel
Give-way
Vessel
INTERNATIONALMeeting
SituationTwo Short Blasts
Starboard to Starboard
Give-way
Vessel
Give-way
Vessel
Only done if it is clearly the most convenient,
safe maneuver for both vessels.
INTERNATIONAL
Meeting
SituationTwo Short Blasts
Starboard to Starboard
It is implied that a starboard-to-starboard
passing is only proper when there is no risk
of collision.
There is an old nautical saying that
warns: ―Two short blasts are the first
two notes of the collision waltz.‖
In U.S. Inland Waters
Starboard-to-starboard passing is
authorized only if the ships are not
meeting end-on and safe passage is
assured without any maneuvering.
INTERNATIONAL
Crossing Situation
The give-way vessel is
required to maneuver to
avoid crossing ahead of
the stand-on vessel.
Give-way
Vessel
Stand-on
Vessel
INTERNATIONAL
Crossing Situation
This means reducing
speed, stopping, altering
course to starboard, or
backing down.
Give-way
Vessel
Stand-on
Vessel
INTERNATIONAL
Crossing
Situation
One Short Blast
Two Short Blasts
Three Short Blasts
Give-way
Vessel
Stand-on
Vessel
In inland waters, the overtaking vessel
must signal on which side it intends to
pass; one blast to starboard and two
blasts to port.
It cannot pass until it hears the same
signal from the overtaken vessel.
Overtaking Situation
INTERNATIONAL
In international waters, a ship that can pass
another without a change of course may do
so without a signal.
Overtaking Situation
INTERNATIONALOvertaking Situation
If overtaking vessel must change course to
pass, she sounds one short blast if turning
to the right, or two short blasts if turning to
the left, and does not have to wait for an
answer.
Vessel being overtaken may respond with 5
or more short blasts if she considers
proposed maneuver dangerous.
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Overtaking Situation
An overtaking vessel must give a signal
whether or not she must change course
to pass, and she may not pass until she
hears the agreeing signal from the vessel
ahead.
The signals are one short blast if
proposing to pass the other vessel on her
starboard side, and two if proposing to
pass on her port side.
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Overtaking Situation
Vessel being overtaken
responses with 5 short
blasts indicating danger
to port.
Overtaking vessel
indicates overtaking
on the port side by
2 short blasts.
This is followed by a signal for
what is considered the safer
procedure and the overtaking
vessel answers signal and
passes on the correct side.
DANGER
Avoid Collision – ―In Extremis‖
A vessel may depart from the requirements
of the rules of the road when there is
imminent danger of collision. Such a
danger of collision is called ―in extremis.‖
A ship’s captain is
required to use good
judgment to avoid
collision even if the
action might violate
the rules.
Fog Signals Underway
Inland Rules
Prolonged blast 4 to 6
seconds on the whistle
at 1-minute intervals
International Rules
Prolonged blast 4 to 6
seconds on the whistle
every 2 minutes
Inland Rules
Fog Signal at Anchor
Ring the bell for about
5 seconds at 1-minute
intervals.
In restricted visibility, you must:
Go at a safe speed.
Maintain a proper look-out.
Display navigation lights.
If you hear a fog signal forward of your
beam:
Reduce speed to bare steerageway.
The minimum speed at which the
rudder is effective
or
The minimum speed at which your
vessel can be kept on course
Steerageway
Distress Signals
for
Inland & International Rules
FOGHORN
CONTINUOUS
SOUNDING
GUN FIRED AT
INTERVALS
OF 1 MINUTE
FLAMES ON
A VESSEL
(NIGHT ONLY)
NAUTICAL RULES OF THE ROAD
THE END
Distress Signals
for
International Rules
Gun Fired at 1-Minute Intervals
Distress Signals
for
International Rules
Continuous Sounding of Foghorn
Distress Signals
for
International Rules
Rockets or Shells
Distress Signals
for
International Rules
SOS
Distress Signals
for
International Rules
Signal ―MAYDAY‖ by Radio
Distress Signals
for
International Rules
Flaghoist with November Charlie
Distress Signals
for
International Rules
Square Flag and Ball
Distress Signals
for
International Rules
Flames from Tar or Oil Barrel
Distress Signals
for
International Rules
Parachute Flare
Distress Signals
for
International Rules
Smoke Signal
Distress Signals
for
International Rules
Wave Arms
Q.1. Name the two sets of rules of
the road used by ships in the
United States.
Q.1. Name the two sets of rules of
the road used by ships in the
United States.
A.1. The International Regulations
for Preventing Collisions at
Sea, 1972, and The Inland
Navigational Rules Act of
1980
Q.2. What is the purpose of the rules
of the road?
Q.2. What is the purpose of the rules
of the road?
A.2. To prevent ship collisions
Q.3. How can you determine if risk
of collision exists?
Q.3. How can you determine if risk
of collision exists?
A.3. If the compass bearing of an
approaching vessel does not
appreciably change as the
range decreases (―constant
bearing decreasing range‖)
Q.4. What do the rules of the road
cover?
Q.4. What do the rules of the road
cover?
A.4. Lights and shapes, sound
signals, steering and sailing
rules, and distress signals
Q.5. Explain the difference between
power-driven and sailing
vessels.
Q.5. Explain the difference between
power-driven and sailing
vessels.
A.5. A power-driven vessel is one
that is being propelled by
machinery even if she is
equipped with sails. A sailing
vessel is any vessel which is
being propelled by sail alone.
Q.6. What is the definition of
―underway?‖
Q.6. What is the definition of
―underway?‖
A.6. Any vessel not at anchor;
moored to a buoy or dock or
not aground
Q.7. What additional white light
must be shown for vessels 50
meters or more in length?
Q.7. What additional white light
must be shown for vessels 50
meters or more in length?
A.7. A range light
Q.8. Name the colors of the lights
used aboard ships.
Q.8. Name the colors of the lights
used aboard ships.
A.8. White, red, and green (and
amber for special
circumstances)
Q.9. What color is the masthead
light?
Q.9. What color is the masthead
light?
A.9. White
Q.10. State the colors of the port
and starboard sidelights.
Q.10. State the colors of the port
and starboard sidelights.
A.10. Red on the port, green on the
starboard
Q.11. Why are special rules made
for lights on naval vessels?
Q.11. Why are special rules made
for lights on naval vessels?
A.11. Construction and mission
requirements
Q.12. What is the meaning of one
short blast of a ship's whistle
in international waters?
Q.12. What is the meaning of one
short blast of a ship's whistle
in international waters?
A.12. I am changing course to
starboard.
Q.13. What is the whistle signal for
danger?
Q.13. What is the whistle signal for
danger?
A.13. Five or more short blasts
Q.14. What is the meaning of one
short blast of a ship’s whistle
in inland waters?
Q.14. What is the meaning of one
short blast of a ship’s whistle
in inland waters?
A.14. It is a signal of intention to
pass port to port and only
executed if acknowledged by
the other vessel.
Q.15. When is a vessel required to
fly the national ensign upside
down as a signal?
Q.15. When is a vessel required to
fly the national ensign upside
down as a signal?
A.15. Never
Q.16. According to the rules, what is
the vessel called that must
take action in any given
situation?
Q.16. According to the rules, what is
the vessel called that must
take action in any given
situation?
A.16. Give-way
Q.17. Briefly explain what the Rule
of Good Seamanship states.
Q.17. Briefly explain what the Rule
of Good Seamanship states.
A.17. A ship's master must
exercise professional
judgment and may deviate
from the rules if a possible
dangerous situation arises
Q.18. In a crossing situation, which
vessel is the stand-on vessel?
Q.18. In a crossing situation, which
vessel is the stand-on vessel?
A.18. The vessel to the starboard
of the other
Q.19. In a meeting situation, which
vessel is the stand-on vessel?
Q.19. In a meeting situation, which
vessel is the stand-on vessel?
A.19. Neither, they are both
designated give-way vessels
Q.20. In an overtaking situation,
which vessel is the stand-on
vessel?
Q.20. In an overtaking situation,
which vessel is the stand-on
vessel?
A.20. The vessel being overtaken
(passed)
Q.21. What signal must a vessel
sound if, when rounding a
bend, it is unable to see for at
least ½ mile?
Q.21. What signal must a vessel
sound if, when rounding a
bend, it is unable to see for at
least ½ mile?
A.21. A prolonged blast of its
whistle (4 to 6 seconds)
Q.22. What do two short blasts of a
ship's whistle signal in
international waters?
Q.22. What do two short blasts of a
ship's whistle signal in
international waters?
A.22. Changing course to port
Q.23. What do three short blasts of
a ship's whistle signal?
Q.23. What do three short blasts of
a ship's whistle signal?
A.23. Engine backing (going
astern)
Q.24. In conditions of reduced
visibility, what signal does a
power-driven vessel underway
and making way sound?
Q.24. In conditions of reduced
visibility, what signal does a
power-driven vessel underway
and making way sound?
A.24. One prolonged blast at least
every 2 minutes
The white light on the aftermast
of vessels 50 meters or more
Range Light
Either of two lights carried by a
vessel underway at night, a red
one on the port side and a green
one on the starboard
Sidelights
Day Shape
(Black Ball)
A metal ribbing
roughly oval in
shape, over which
canvas is stretched
Obstructed View
1 Prolong Blast
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Change of Status
(leaving a dock or berth)
1 prolong blast
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Leaving a Dock or Berth in Reverse
1 prolonged blast, (change of status)
then 3 short blasts, (making sternway)
VESSEL AT ANCHOR
At night, ―Red over red, the captain is
dead‖ may help you remember the
vessel is not under command.
VESSEL NOT UNDER COMMAND
VESSEL AGROUND
VESSEL TOWING ASTERN, TOW LENGTH
MORE THAN 200 METERS ASTERN
SAILING VESSEL UNDER POWER
VESSEL ENGAGED IN FISHING
VESSEL ENGAGED IN FISHING, GEAR
EXTENDING MORE THAN 150 METERS
VESSEL CONSTRAINED BY DRAFT
VESSEL ENGAGED IN
MINESWEEPING
VESSEL RESTRICTED IN ABILITY TO
MANEUVER
VESSEL RESTRICTED IN ABILITY TO
MANEUVER, OBSTRUCTION EXISTS ON SIDE
WITH TWO BALLS
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Meeting
Situation
Two Short Blasts
Starboard to Starboard
Meeting
SituationOne Short Blast
Port to Port
Give-way
Vessel
Give-way
Vessel
Give-way
Vessel
Give-way
Vessel
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In inland waters,
starboard-to-
starboard passing
is authorized only
if ships are not
meeting end-on
and safe passage
is assured
without any
maneuvering.
One Short Blast
Port to Port
Crossing Situation