Rule 19 - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted

Section III
Rule 19 -- Conduct of vessels in

restricted visibility
(a) This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating
in or near an area of restricted visibility.
(b) 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.
(c) Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing circumstances and
conditions of restricted visibility when complying with the Rules of
section I of this part.
(d) A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel
shall 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 the following shall be avoided:
Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels in

(i) an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam,
other than for a vessel being overtaken;
(ii) an alteration of course towards a vessel abeam or abaft the
beam
(e) Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not
exist, every vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam
the fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a closequarters situation with another vessel forward of her beam, shall
reduce her speed to the minimum at 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 until danger of collision is
over.


Application
n
Rule 19 (a)
Rule 19 applies:
n
To all vessels
n Power-driven
vessels
n Sailing vessels
n Etc.
n Not in sight of one another
n
In or near an area of restricted visibility

4

Not in sight of one another
Rule 19 (a)
Vessels are deemed not to be in sight of one

another only when one cannot be observed
visually from the other (See Rule 3 (k))
Observing a vessel on radar or hearing one
another through sound signals is excluded

Rule 19 (a)
Rule 19 applies to vessels:

IN an area of restricted visibility
OR NEAR an area of restricted visibility
Wether in or near an area of restricted visibility, these

vessels must give the sound signals of Rule 35

Rule 19 (a)
NEAR an area of restricted visibility
Rule 19 applies to vessels:

- approaching an area of restricted visibility or
- having such an area on one side

Rule 19 (a)
In sight of one another

When two vessels navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility come
in sight of one another, they must comply with the Rules of Section II
The manoeuvring and warning signals of Rule 34 are only given when
vessels are in sight of one another

Rule 19 (a)
In sight of one another

Rule 19 (a)
Near an area of restricted visibility

all precautions must be taken when approaching
an area of restricted visibility:
Good seamanship requires to have a moderate speed, so
as to approach that place under proper control.
Area of tropical rain squall
10

Rule 19 (a)
All vessels must observe the same safety measures

near, as well as within an area of restricted visibility
Good seamanship requires to have a moderate speed,

so as to approach such an area with proper control
11

Rule 19 (a)
When is visibility restricted

n
Take vessels sidelights as a criterion (min.

three miles) taking into account :
n
n
n
n
n
State of the sea

Traffic density
Vessels manoeuvring characteristics
Efficiency of radar equipment
Other electronic aids (AIS, )
12

n
Rule 19 (a)
Means to assess visibility

n
Observe on the radar objects

n
n
n
n
n
That are just coming in sight

That are just going out of sight
Observe objects around the vessel

Consider transparency of the atmosphere
At night, observe if lights show an aura
The visibility can be assessed only in the direction of

the object and it may quickly deteriorate or improve
13
Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels

in restricted visibility
Safe speed
Rule 19 (b)
A safe speed is a speed adapted to the prevailing

circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility
Rule 6 also deals with safe speed and applies to every
vessel in any condition of visibility
14

Safe speed
n
Rule 19 (b)
Factors which determine maintaining a safe

speed
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Open sea with little or no traffic

In narrow waters with high traffic density
At termination of a traffic separation scheme or not
Pilot vessel in vicinity
In area with fishing vessels, pleasure craft, ice, etc.
Vessels at anchor
Manoeuvring characteristics of own vessel
Type of radar used
15

Safe speed
Rule 19 (b)
The term Safe speed also applies to sailing vessels

n
Precautionary measurers by sailing vessels

n
n
n
Navigate at a safe speed

If necessary, lower sails
Keep crew stand-by to handle sails
16

Safe speed
Rule 19 (b)
Safe speed versus Moderate speed

In the 1960 Regulations, the term moderate speed was used instead
of safe speed
The expression moderate speed meant a speed which would enable
a vessel to be stopped within half the range of visibility
Why half the range ?
Because the other object is most
probably also a moving vessel
This definition may sometimes
still be used by the courts
17

Safe speed
Rule 19 (b)
A reduction of speed is not always necessary when approaching a

sudden rainy squall or similar weather change
If the weather change is not expected to last long a vessel may
sometimes maintain her speed
The radar usually shows the extent and movement of a squall and should
detect large vessels within and beyond the squall area
However, small craft may not be detected and the speed must be
reduced if the squall lasts for more than a few minutes. Do not forget to
give the prescribed fog signals
18

Safe speed
Rule 19 (b)
OPEN SEA versus CONGESTED WATERS

In the open sea:
with little traffic, a relatively high speed may be maintained
provided:
a) proper radar watch is being kept, and
b) the engines are ready for an immediate manoeuvre
In congested waters with dense fog:
a vessel is never justified in proceeding at high speed,
particularly if small craft and/or ice are likely to be
encountered
19

Safe speed
Rule 19 (b)
Some masters are reluctant to reduce speed in restricted

visibility because of the pressure to maintain schedules
The attitude of some owners and marine superintendents

is often irresponsible and should, by all means, be
disapproved
20

Safe speed
Rule 19 (b)
The attitude of some owners
Lord Justice Sellers:

A primary concern of a shipowner must be safety of life at sea: this
also requires safe navigation.
Excessive speed in fog is a grave breach of duty. In so far as high
speed is encouraged by radar, the installation of radar requires
particular vigilance of owners.
Shipowners must ensure that shipmasters use their radar in a
21
proper manner

Safe speed
Rule 19 (b)
Engines stand-by
In restricted visibility, a powerdriven vessel is required to have
her engines ready for immediate
manuvre
This applies even in the open
ocean
For many vessels, the stand-by
position corresponds to full
manoeuvring speed and involves
some reduction of speed
22

Safe speed
Rule 19 (b)
Engines stand-by
It may take several minutes

to prepare the engines for
immediate manuvre:
The engines should be given
as much notice as possible
when it seems likely that the
visibility will become restricted
23

Compliance with the Rules of Section I
Rule 19 (c)
Section I deals with the conduct of vessels in any

conditions of visibility
n
Relevant Rules of Section I

n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Maintain a proper look-out (Rule 5)

Proceed at a safe speed (Rule 6)
Use all available means to determine if risk of collision
exists (Rule 7)
Take proper avoiding action (Rule 8)
Use radar correctly (Rule 7(b))
Use manoeuvring capabilities of vessel efficiently
Navigate with caution in narrow channels and fairways and
traffic separation schemes (Rules 9 and 10)
For details see the relevant Rules of Section I of this Presentation
24

Rule 19 (c)
Rule 5: Look-out
In order to keep a good look-out in restricted visibility it is
necessary:
to have a man posted on look-out duty by day as well as
at night
to keep a continuous radar watch by a competent person
25

Rule 19 (c)
Rule 5: Look-out
Keep a continuous radar watch by a competent person

26

Rule 19 (c)
Rule 6: Safe speed
The use of radar is essential to determine

the existence of a risk of collision with a
vessel detected but not in sight
27

Rule 19 (c)
Rule 7: Risk of Collision

More substantial alterations of course are necessary to
avoid collision with a vessel not in sight
The manuvres must be large enough to be readily
apparent on the other vessels radar screen, (see Rule
8(b))
If the other vessel is not in visual sight the effectiveness of
avoiding action must be carefully and continuously
28
checked by radar observations

Detection by radar alone
Rule 19 (d)
Rule 19(d) states that a

vessel which detects by
radar alone the presence
of another vessel shall
determine if a closequarters situation is
developing and/or risk of
collision exists
Detection by radar alone,

means:
a) not seeing her visually
b) not hearing her fog
signals
29

Rule 19 (d)
HENCE
When detection by radar alone, without:

a) seeing the vessel visually
b) hearing her fog signals
Section III, Rule 19 applies
When in sight: Rules of Section II apply

When a fog signal is heard + risk of collision: Rule 19(e) applies
30

Rule 19 (d)
Important remark
Rule 19 is composed of two important parts
1. Because sound signals are normally heard up to 2 miles for large
vessels and only 0,5 miles for very small vessels (see Annex III,
Technical details of sound signal appliances), when hearing a fog signal:
the vessel will be maximum 2 miles away and if forward of the beam,
she will most probably be in a close-quarters situation and if risk of
collision exists, Rule 19 (e) will apply.
The vessel will, of course, also be seen on the radar
2. On the other hand, if a vessel is not heard and only detected on the
radar she will most probably be further than 2 miles and not be in a close
quarters situation or represent a risk of collision (yet). Rule 19(d) applies.
Experience has shown that masters or OOW are often reluctant to give
sound signals when they should do so
31

Rule 19 (d)
Close-quarters situation
The distance of a close quarters situation is difficult to measure in miles.
It depends upon a number of factors:
- Size and manoeuvring characteristics of the vessels
- The speed of the vessels
- The traffic density
- Experience and judgement of the Master and/of the OOW
- Etc.
Distances of 2 to 3 miles are usually suggested, being the range of

visibility of the sidelights or the range of audibility of large vessels.
According the local circumstances distances of less than 2 miles may
32
be sufficient (slow speed, overtaking, passing clearly astern, etc.

Rule 19 (d)
Determine if risk of collision exists

Proper use of radar is required to obtain early warning
of risk of collision
Radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation (ARPA)
must be carried out
Assumptions must not be based on scanty informations
33


Rule 19 (d)
Do not make assumptions based on scanty informations
When using a 12 mile radar range, radar information must be

assessed and substantial action must be taken before the target
34
reaches the 4 miles range

n
n
Rule 19 (d)
Avoiding actions
A substantial alteration of course and/or speed in
ample time
Avoid altering course to port, so far as possible, for a
vessel forward of the beam (except for a vessel being
overtaken)
Altering course towards a vessel abeam or abaft the
beam, so far as possible
Keep in mind the dual action situation with an
alteration of course to starboard for both vessels
35

Rule 19 (d)
All vessels must comply with Rule 19(d)

Examples
There is no stand-on vessel in a crossing situation
between two power-driven vessels
Both vessels are give-way vessels
A vessel being overtaken may not keep her course
and speed
Rule 18 (Responsabilities between vessels) does not
apply between vessels not in sight of one another
No distinction is made between power-driven vessels
and sailing vessels
Etc.
36

Rule 19 (d)
When visibility is restricted, avoiding action must be taken

earlier, but,
always after full assessment of the situation and,
not based on scanty radar information
37

Rule 19 (d)
In restricted visibility, alterations of course and/or speed

shall be substantial in order to be readily apparent to a
vessel observing by radar (see also Rule 8 (b)). They
must be taken in ample time
38

Rule 19 (d)
In restricted visibility, an alteration of course should be:

at least 30
preferably 60 to 90
to be readily apparent to another ship observing by radar
39

Rule 19 (d)
(i) Avoid an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the

beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken;
It is thus mandatory to alter course to starboard in meeting or
crossing situations between vessels not in sight of one
another
(ii) Avoid an alteration of course toward a vessel abeam or

abaft the beam.
40

Rule 19 (d)
An alteration of course in either direction is permitted when a

vessel approaches from astern
In this particular overtaking situation both ships may alter course
in both directions
In restricted visibility, Rule 13 Overtaking does not apply. If risk

of collision exists, both vessels (not in sight of one another) must
take avoiding action according to Rule 19
41

Rule 19 (d)
The avoiding action can also consist in a change of speed:

- as an alternative to a course alteration
- or in association with a course alteration
A change of speed is generally more effective for a

vessel approaching from near the beam
In a meeting situation:
a)it has little effect on the CPA
b)It gives more time for assessment
42

Rule 19 (d)
43

Fog signal apparently forward of the beam
Rule 19 (e)
When a fog signal is heard forward of the beam and risk

of collision exists, Rule 19 (e) applies to every vessel
Even if the vessel has detected the other one on her radar, the
fact that a fog signal is heard and that a risk of collision still exists
means:
a) that the distance between the two vessels is under the
close-quarters limit in restricted visibility (between two to three
miles),
b) that the vessel (and/or your own vessel) has not taken
avoiding action in due time.
The vessels are then required by Rule 19 (e) to reduce their

speed to the bare steerage way
44

Rule 19 (e)
Never wait too long to take avoiding action. Do not wait until
the other ship is so close that you can hear her fog signal
Always keep in mind that some ships may not give the
prescribed fog signals, especially when they only rely on
their radar
It is deceiving and very dangerous to notice that some OOW

are reluctant to give sound signals in restricted as well as in
45
clear visibility

Rule 19 (e)
In restricted visibility always post a look-out man:

On the forecastle head of the ship or, if this appears too
dangerous like in very thick fog,
Outside on the bridge
Usually, when the look-out hears the fog signal of another

vessel, there is risk of collision
46

Rule 19 (e)
The sound signal of another ship may be heard while no

risk of collision exists with that ship:
- When crossing astern of a vessel being overtaken

- When vessels meet in opposite directions on their
correct sides of a narrow channel
47

Rule 19 (e)
The direction and distance of sound signals cannot be

relied upon, especially in foggy conditions. Hence, the
direction of fog signals can be misleading
When a fog signal is heard fine on the bow, it is nearly
impossible to determine whether it comes from the
starboard or the portside
When a fog signal is heard forward of the beam, the
engines should be immediately stopped or speed reduced,
unless it has been determined that there is no risk of
collision.
48

Rule 19 (e)
A lookout posted forward,

especially on larger
vessels, may be able to
hear a fog signal before it
can be heard from the
bridge
49

Rule 19 (e)
Radar ranges and

bearings and/or a
good plotting system
(ARPA) are the best,
if not the only way, to
determine if risk of
collision exists
50

Rule 19 (e)
Action to be taken:
n
n
n
Reduce speed to the minimum or,

Take all way off
Navigate with extreme caution until danger of
collision is over
51

Rule 19 (e)
Advantages of taking all way off
Better assessment of situation

Less noise with engines stopped
Engines are more rapidly reversed
Reduced damage in case of collision
In case of collision the effect is less serious if the
impact is taken forward of the vessel
The effect is greater when struck at a broad
angle near the mid lenght
52

Rule 19 (e)
In restricted visibility, the proper use

of the radar is maybe the only way
to justify proceeding at a speed
greater than bare steerage-way
Sadly enough, too many Masters,
are reluctant, under the Owners
pressure, to slow down in fog and
continue to sail at full speed relying
blindly on their radar(s)
Under any pretext this attitude must be condemned and be
considered as bad seamanship
53

Rule 19 (e)
Taking all way off is necessary:

n
n
n
n
n
n
n
When hearing apparently forward of the beam a fog

signal close by
When there is doubt as to which side the approaching
vessel may pass by
When is heard forward of the beam
When fog signals are heard nearer and nearer to the
bow
When the fog signal is heard of a vessel at anchor or a
vessel aground
When hearing the fog signal of a vessel of less than 12
metres
For a head-on vessel seen at close proximity on radar
plotting
54
Rule 19 -- Conduct of vessels in

n
Navigate with extreme caution means:

n
n
Sound prescribed sound signals frequently

Try to establish whether the intensity of fog
signals is decreasing or increasing
Try to keep vessel on course and try to
establish whether or not the direction of the
signals is altering
Assess the situation and its development on
the radar
55

Close-quarters situation apparently forward of the

beam Rule 19 (e)
When a close-quarters situation forward of the
beam cannot be avoided:
Reduce speed to bare steerage way or
Stop the engines or,
Take all way off by putting engines astern
The greater the speed, the sooner the
speed should be reduced
Fog signals are easier to hear and to
follow when the engines are stopped
56


beam Rule 19 (e)
Every vessel includes anchored vessels
If the fog signal of a vessel at anchor is heard apparently
forward of the beam, and the vessel has not been detected by
radar, the engines must be stopped at once and the way
taken off if necessary
57


beam Rule 19 (e)
n
Risk of collision is assumed to be past:

n
When the intensity of the fog signal grows

weaker
When it moves abaft the beam
58

Rule 19 - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted

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Rule 19 - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted

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Section III

Rule 19 -- Conduct of vessels in

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels in

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels in

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels in

In or near an area of restricted visibility

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels in

Vessels are deemed not to be in sight of one

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels in

Rule 19 applies to vessels:

OR NEAR an area of restricted visibility

Wether in or near an area of restricted visibility, these

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels in

NEAR an area of restricted visibility

Rule 19 applies to vessels:

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels in

In sight of one another

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels in

In sight of one another

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels in

Near an area of restricted visibility

Area of tropical rain squall

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels in

All vessels must observe the same safety measures

Good seamanship requires to have a moderate speed,

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels in

When is visibility restricted

Take vessels sidelights as a criterion (min.

State of the sea

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels in

Means to assess visibility

Observe on the radar objects

That are just coming in sight

Observe objects around the vessel

The visibility can be assessed only in the direction of

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels

A safe speed is a speed adapted to the prevailing

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels

Factors which determine maintaining a safe

Open sea with little or no traffic

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels

The term Safe speed also applies to sailing vessels

Precautionary measurers by sailing vessels

Navigate at a safe speed

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels

Safe speed versus Moderate speed

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels

A reduction of speed is not always necessary when approaching a

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels

OPEN SEA versus CONGESTED WATERS

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels

Some masters are reluctant to reduce speed in restricted

The attitude of some owners and marine superintendents

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels

The attitude of some owners

Lord Justice Sellers:

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels

It may take several minutes

Rule 19 - Conduct of vessels

Section I deals with the conduct of vessels in any

Relevant Rules of Section I

Maintain a proper look-out (Rule 5)

For details see the relevant Rules of Section I of this Presentation