Coastal Navigation

NAV 104

Lecturer
Dr. Waleed Yehia
International Regulations for Preventing
Collision at Sea
Lecture One
Navigation Defined

Navigation
The process of safely and efficiently directing
the movements of a vessel from one place to
another.
Collision Regulations
General Points
Every vessel has a responsibility to avoid collisions.
If every vessel follows the rules, there cannot be a
collision.
Even if these rules require another vessel to keep out of
your way, you must be ready to take action yourself.
If you are in a collision, you will always be partly to
blame.
General Points
All actions must be clear, in good time, and large enough
so other vessels will understand your intentions.
Generally alterations of course are more obvious than
alterations of speed, but never hesitate to slow down to
give yourself thinking time or more room.
Night Vision
At night keep lighting within your own vessel to a
minimum; it preserves your night vision.
Only use spotlights where it is vital to pick up an unlit
object (mooring buoys for instance).
Respect other peoples night vision.
 Extra Care at Night

Many navigation aids are unlit, and there are many other
potential hazards, so keep your speed down.
Coast Guard Requirements
The CG requires that at all times:
1. Radar, if available, is to be in use, unless alongside
another vessel
2. Appropriate navigation lights are displayed
3. If in doubt stop, assess, plan
 Rule 3: General Definitions
Vessel Underway
Power driven vessel Making way
Sailing vessel Not making way
Non-displacement craft
Seaplanes

Special Conditions
Vessel engaged in fishing
Not under command Restricted in ability to
maneuver
Constrained by draft
Rule 3: Definitions

Vessel: includes every description of water craft used or capable of

being used as a means on transportation on water.
Includes:
-Power-driven vessels
-Sailboats
-Seaplanes
-Non-displacement craft
Rule 3: Definitions
WIG Wing in Ground Craft

Wing-In-Ground (WIG) craft" means a multimodal craft which, in its

main operational mode, flies in close proximity to the surface by
utilizing surface-effect action. Presently, there are no Coast Guard
safety standards for WIG craft.
Rule 3: Definitions
Vessel engaged in fishing
Vessel engaged in fishing means any vessel fishing
with nets, lines, trawls or other fishing apparatus
which restrict maneuverability.
Does NOT include vessel engaged in trawling.
Rule 3: Definitions
Vessel not under command
Vessel not under command means a vessel which
through some exceptional circumstances is unable to
maneuver to comply with the Rules.
Propulsion casualty
Steering casualty
 Rule 3: Definitions
Vessel restricted in ability to maneuver

Vessel restricted in ability to maneuver means a

vessel which from the nature of her work is unable to
keep out of the way of another vessel.
Examples:
Laying Nav aids
Dredging/Surveying
Mine clearance Ops
Rule 3: Definitions
Vessel constrained by draft
Vessel constrained by draft means a power driven
vessel which, because of her draft in relation to the
available depth is severely restricted in her ability to
deviate from her present course.
Rule 3: Definitions
Underway, Not-underway
 Rule 4: Application
Rule 5: Look-out

Application (Rule 4) - Rules in this section

apply in Any condition of visibility.
Look-out (Rule 5)
Maintain Proper Lookout
Use all available means
Also required at anchor
Rule 6: Safe Speed

Determinants of Safe Speed

Draft of vessel in relation to charted depth
Stopping distance and turning ability
Presence of background lighting
State of winds, sea, and current
State of visibility
Traffic density
A Vessel must proceed at
Safe speed At all times
Rule 6: Safe Speed

Vessels with operational radar should also

consider:
Characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar set
Constraints imposed by range scale in use
Effect on radar of sea state, weather or other interference
Possibility that small vessels, objects, or ice may not be
detected by radar at an adequate range to avoid collision.
Number, location, and movement of vessels detected
 Rule 7: Risk of Collision
Risk of Collision
Every vessel shall use all available means to determine if risk
of collision exists.
Early use of RADAR to obtain early warning risk of collision
Systematic observation

Such risk is deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an

approaching vessel does not appreciably change.
 Rule 7: Risk of Collision
l Note that a risk of collision may
exist even if there is appreciable
bearing change evident
particularly when approaching a
tow, a very large vessel, or at
close range.
Rule 8: Action to Avoid Collision

Any action taken to avoid collision shall be positive,

made in ample time, and with due regard to the
observance of good seamanship.
Action taken should be large enough to be readily
apparent to the other vessel.
Action taken to avoid collision with another vessel
shall result in passing at a safe distance.

The effectiveness of the action shall be carefully

checked until the vessel is passed and clear.
Rule 8: Action to Avoid Collision
Two variables can be altered to
avoid collision: course and speed.
Change course to avoid close-quarter
situations.
Slacken speed or take all way to
allow more time to assess the situation.

Even if you are the stand on vessel,

you still must take action to AVOID
COLLISION
Rule 9 - Narrow Channels
In narrow channels, all vessels should keep to the starboard
side of the channel.
Rule 9: Narrow Channels

Narrow Channels (Rule 9)

Stay on the right side of the channel
Sailing vessels and vessels < 20 meters shall not impede
vessels restricted to the channel.
Fishing vessels shall not impede other
vessels.
Crossing vessels shall not impede other
vessels.
Do not anchor in a channel
Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes
Traffic shall follow the traffic separation scheme where one is
designated.
Where you are outside it, you should avoid it.
If you have to cross it you have to cross it as near right angles as
possible.
A vessel less than 20 metres in length shall not impede a ship in a
separation scheme.
 Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes
Good courses in or near separation
schemes
 Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes
Bad courses in or near separation
schemes
Section II - Rules 11 to 18
Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another
Collision Regulations
Section II - Conduct of vessels in sight of one another
Rule 11 Application
Rule 12 Sailing Vessels
Rule 13 Overtaking
Rule 14 Head-on
Rule 15 Crossing Situations
Rule 16 Action by the Give-way Vessel
Rule 17 Action by the Stand-on Vessel
Rule 18 Responsibilities Between Vessels
 Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels
Wind on different sides Wind
When sailing vessels have the
wind on different sides, the
vessel that has the wind on the
port side shall keep out of the
way of the other.
A keeps clear of B.

A B
 Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels
If a sailing vessel with the wind on
the port side sees a sailing vessel
to windward and cannot
determine with certainty
whether the other sailing vessel
has the wind on the port or
starboard side, it shall keep out
of the way.
 Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels
Wind
Wind on the same sides
When both sailing vessels have B
the wind on the same side, the
vessel which is the closest to the
wind (windward) shall keep out
of the way of the vessel which is
to leeward.
B keeps clear of A.

A
 Rule 13 - Overtaking
This rule overrides all the other give-way rules.
The overtaking vessel (even if sailing) must keep out of the way of
the vessel being overtaken.
You can pass on either side of the vessel, but keep well clear the
other vessel may not have seen you.
If you are being overtaken, hold your course and speed until the
other vessel is past and well clear.
Rule 14 - Head on
Both vessels must alter course to starboard.
If the other vessel turns the wrong way, you should turn even
more to starboard, slow down, or stop your vessel.
 Rule 15 - Crossing Situation
If the other vessel is on your starboard side it has right of way and you
must keep clear: you must either turn to starboard, slow down to let the
other vessel pass ahead of you or do both.
A gives way to B

A
 Rule 15 - Crossing Situation
If the other vessel is on your port side, you have right of way and should
hold your course and speed. However, if you think the other vessel is
leaving it too late, you have to take action yourself. The right rule still
applies: if you alter course, alter to starboard. Or you can slow down, or
do both.

A
Rules 13-15: Vessels in Sight and
in Risk of Collision (Review)
HEAD ON OVERTAKING CROSSING
Description Meeting on Overtaking Two vessels
reciprocal another vessel crossing, risk of
courses, more than 22.5 collision exists.
masthead lights in abaft the beam, at
line, both night only the
sidelights visible. sternlight visible.

Action Both vessels turn Overtaking vessel The vessel which

to starboard to keeps out of the holds the other
pass port-to-port. way on the on her starboard
overtaken vessel. must keep out of
the way of the
stand-on vessel.
Rule 16: Give-way Vessel
Take early and substantial action to stay out of the way of
the stand-on vessel.
Rule 17: Stand-on Vessel
Maintain course and speed.
Sound 5 short rapid blasts.
Take action if the give-way is not taking substantial action
to avoid collision.
If risk of collision exists and if circumstances allow, avoid
altering course to port.
If collision is imminent, any action that will avoid
collision or mitigate it, is permitted.
Rule 18: Responsibilities Between Vessels
Vessels in order of priority
Vessel not under command
Restricted in ability to maneuver
Vessel constrained by draft
Vessel engaged in fishing
Sailing vessels
Power driven vessels
Seaplanes
 Rule 18 - Power meets sail
In general, power vessels have to keep out of the way of sailing
and fishing vessels, and vessels that are hampered by such tasks
as dredging, cable laying and so on.
 Operating rule
Port: If a Starboard:
power-driven If any vessel
vessel
approaches approaches
within this within this
sector maintain sector, keep
your course out of its
and speed with
caution. way. (Note:
This rule
may not
always apply
Stern: If any vessel if one or
approaches this sector, both vessels
are
maintain your course and
sailboats.)
speed with caution.
 The RIGHT Rule

The RIGHT rule is:

Look to the right;
Give way to the right;
Turn to the right; and
Stay to the right.
Section III - Rule 19
Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
Rule 19: Restricted Visibility
This rule applies when navigating in or NEAR an area of
restricted visibility.
Rule 19 - Restricted Visibility
Restricted visibility any condition that reduces visibility,
and includes fog, heavy rain, snow, hail, sandstorms, etc.
Fog is common on the coast of British Columbia. A good
lookout becomes even more vital.
Slow down and be ready to stop if you sight another
vessel or hear a fog signal.
Rule 19: Restricted Visibility
For fog signals heard forward of the beam, reduce speed
to minimum steerageway and navigate cautiously.
Actions to take on hearing a fog signal forward of the
beam can shown as:
Part C - Lights and Shapes
 Navigation Lights
Vessels that operate from sunset to sunrise, whether at anchor or

underway, must carry and exhibit the correct lights.

A vessel is underway when not anchored, moored to the shore or

aground.

Navigation lights must also be displayed during daylight hours in

periods of restricted visibility.

All vessels must comply with the regulations concerning lighting.

 Navigation Lights

1. Masthead light
2. Port side light
3. Starboard side light
4. Stern light
5. Towing light
 Application of Lighting Rules
(Rule 20)

No other lights shall be displayed except lights that:

Cannot be mistaken for required lights

Do not impair visibility of required lights

Do not interfere with keeping a proper look-out

Definitions for Lighting (Rule 21)
Masthead light - 225
225 white light showing
ahead to 22.
22.5 abaft the beam on both sides

Sidelights - 112
112..5 green light (starboard) and red light (port)
showing ahead to 22
22..5 abaft the beam

May be one combined light on vessels

less than 20 meters

Sternlight - 135
135 white light showing 67
67..5 from
right aft on each side

All--round light - 360

All 360 white light showing all around the
horizon
Rule 21:Definitions
Rule 22: Visibility of Lights
Rule 21:Definitions
Rule 22: Visibility of Lights
Min Ranges
TYPE OF LIGHT COLOR ARC 50M+ 12-50M
Masthead white 225 6 nm 5 nm
Sidelight red/green 112.5 3 nm 2 nm
Sternlight white 135 3 nm 2 nm
Towing yellow 135 3 nm 2 nm
All around various360 3 nm 2 nm
Flashing - A light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of
120 flashes or more per minute.
Special Flashing A yellow light flashing at regular intervals at
a frequency of 50-70 flashes per minute, placed forward and
with an arc of 180-225 degrees.
Zones
Crossing
Overtaking

Overtaking Head--On
Head

Overtaking
Crossing
Power-Driven Vessel Underway (Rule 23
23))

! Vessels less than 20 meters (65.6 feet)

Sidelights may be combined

in one light.

Under Power
Power-Driven Vessel Underway (Rule 23
23))

! Vessels less than 12 meters (39.4 feet)

May exhibit an all-around

light instead of masthead
and stern lights.
Sailing Vessel Underway (Rule 25
25))

! Vessels less than 20 meters (65.6 feet)

 Sailing Vessel Underway (Rule 25
25))

! Vessel less than 7 meters (23 feet)

#Exhibit same lights as larger
sailing vessels if practical.

#If not practical, exhibit an electric torch or lantern

showing a white light in time to prevent collision.
 Vessel Under Oars (Rule 25
25))

! May exhibit lights for sailing vessels or have

ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern
showing a white light in time to prevent collision.
Power-Driven Vessel Underway (Rule 23)
23)

! Typical of Great Lakes freighter

 Vessel Pushing (Rule 24)
24)
!Typical of Ohio River barges

Barges Flashing

DANGER: Unlighted area may be

be 1000
1000 feet
feet or
or more
more
 Vessel Towing (Rule 24)
24)

! Vessel being towed

DANGER: Unlighted cable spans

between vessels

! Object being towed

 Power-driven vessel towing asterntowing vessel less
than 50 meters in length; length of tow exceeds 200
meters.
Same for Inland.
 Vessel being towed alongside (INLAND).
 Vessel Aground (Rule 30
30))

! Vessel aground (less than 50 meters)

 More Lights

! Vessel not under

command
(Rule 27)
27)

! Vessel restricted in
maneuverability
(Rule 27)
27)

When making way through the water, these vessels also display
masthead, side and stern lights.
When at anchor these vessels also display anchor light
 More Lights
!Fishing vessels
(Rule 26
26))

Trawling Fishing other

than trawling

When making way through the water these vessels

also display masthead, side and stern lights

! Vessel engaged in diving

(Rule 27)
27)
 Day Shapes
! In addition to lights, some vessels are required to
display shapes to indicate a special circumstance
! Example: Ball
#A vessel towing with Diamond
severely restricted Ball
maneuverability displays
2 balls and 1 diamond
in a vertical line
(Rule 27)
27)

Towing with severely restricted maneuverability

 Day Shapes
! A vessel at anchor must
Ball
display a ball on the forward
part of the vessel, except:
#a vessel less than 20
meters ((65
65..6 feet) at anchor
in a special anchorage (Rule 30)
30)

#a vessel less than 7

meters ((23
23..0 feet) at anchor
and not in a narrow
channel, fairway or where
other vessels normally Under 23 feet
navigate not required
 Day Shapes
! A vessel restricted in its
ability to maneuver shall
display 2 balls and 1 diamond
in a vertical line.

(Rule 27
27))
! A vessel not under command
shall display 2 balls in a
vertical line.

! Vessels less than 12 meters

are not required, except
when engaged in diving.
 Day Shapes
! If the size of a vessel engaged in diving makes it
impracticable to display shapes for restricted ability
to maneuver, it shall display a rigid replica of the
code flag A.
(Rule 27)
27)
Rigid replica of code flag A
- One meter in height
- All around visibility

Does not affect

use of diver
down flag

Small vessel engaged in diving

 Day Shapes
! A vessel engaged in fishing shall display 2 cones
in a vertical line with apexes together

2 cones (Rule 26)

26)
with apexes
together

Vessel engaged in fishing

 Day Shapes

! A vessel aground 3 balls in a

shall display 3 balls vertical line
in a vertical line,
if practicable (Rule 30)
30)
 Day Shapes
Vessel Shape Exemptions
Vessel Under Sail & Power Cone > 12m
12m
Anchored Ball > 7m (not in channel)
> 20m
20m (in anchorage)
Aground 3 Balls (vert. line) > 12m
12m
Not Under Command 2 Balls (vert. line) > 12m
12m
Restricted in Ability 1 Ball + 1 Diamond > 12m
12m (except dive boats)
to Maneuver + 1 Ball (vert. line)
Diving (restricted in Same as above Shapes not practical
ability to maneuver) (must display A flag)

Fishing (commercial) 2 Cones (vert. line) > 20m

20m (but must display (nets or
trawling) basket shape)

Vessel Towing Diamond Tow > 200m

200m
Vessel Being Towed Diamond Tow > 200m
200m
 Navigation Shapes
Vessels towing, and also on the tow

Deep draft vessels

Vessel under sails but using machinery to propel

Vessels at anchor
 Navigation Shapes
All fishing vessels

In addition in the direction of her gear or nets

 Navigation Shapes
Vessel not under command

Vessel engaged
in mine clearance
Part D - Sound and Light Signals
Rule 32 - Definitions
Rule 34 - Manoeuvring and Warning Signals
Rule 35 - Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
Rule 36 - Signals to Attract Attention
Rule 37 - Distress Signals
Annexes I -V
Rule 32 - Definitions
Sound signals for signals of action
Signals are sounded upon rudder order
Exchanged by any vessel in proximity to another
vessel
Exchanged if vessels are in sight and manoeuvring is
required
Rule 32 - Definitions
Short Blast- about one second duration
Long Blast - 4-6 second duration
Rule 33 - Equipment for Sound Signals
Vessels < 100m in length: whistle and bell
Vessels >= 100m in length: whistle, bell, and gong
Vessels < 12m in length: some type of sound signaling
device
Rule 34 - Manoeuvring and Warning
Signals
Sound signals can be used by any vessel to indicate an
action they are about to take:
One short blast: I am altering course to starboard.
Two short blasts: I am altering course to port.
Three short blasts: My engines are going astern.
Rule 34 - Manoeuvring and Warning
Signals
Five short blasts:
Officially - I am unsure of your intentions;
Practically - you are not following the rules;
or wake up you ***** idiot.
 Rule 34: Manoeuvring and Warning
Signals- Crossing

At night, the stand-on vessel sees the green sidelight of the give-way vessel, and
the give-way vessel sees the red sidelight of the stand-on vessel.
 Rule 36 - Signals to Attract Attention
If a vessel needs to attract the attention of another vessel
she may use a searchlight to show direction of a danger.
However any signal must be such as not to be confused
with a navigational aid, so flashing lights or strobes are not
to be used.
Rule 37 - Distress Signals
VHF-DSC MAYDAY Two tone alarm

. . . _ _ _ . . . (SOS)