RULES OF THE ROAD

Reference

Current Edition:
COMDTINST
M16672.2D

Previous Edition (C)

from 1999
MORE Revisions, but no
new printing
 Navigation Rules and Regulations

Part A General (Rules 1-3)

Application, Responsibilities and Definitions
Part B-Steering and Sailing Rules (Rules 4-19)
Section 1- Conduct of Vessels in any condition of
visibility
Section 2- Conduct of Vessels in sight of one
another
Section 3- Conduct of Vessels in restricted visibility
 Navigation Rules and Regulations

Part C- Lights and Shapes (Rules 20-31)

Part D- Sound and Light Signals (Rules 32-37)
Part E- Exemptions (Rule 38)
 Navigation Rules and Regulations

Annex I - Positioning and Technical

Details of Lights and Shapes
Annex II - Additional Signals for Fishing
Vessels Fishing in Close Proximity
Annex III - Technical Details of Sound
Signal Appliances
Annex IV -Distress Signals
Annex V - Pilot Rules
 Navigation Rules and Regulations
Interpretive Rules
Demarcation Lines
Penalty Provisions
Alternative Compliance
Waters Specified by the Secretary
Vessel Bridge to Bridge Radiotelephone
Regulations
 Rule 1: Applicability

What is the dividing line

between International
and Inland?

Line of
Demarcation

Annex IV.
Demarcation Lines
 Rule 2: Responsibility

Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the

owner, master or crew thereof, from the consequences of any
neglect to comply with these Rules or of the neglect of any
precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of
seaman.

General Prudential Rule: the mariner is responsible not

only for complying with the Rules but also for avoiding a
collision.
Special Situations
In extremis situations
 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 (intl rules only)
 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
UNREP
Flight Ops
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
Must use sight and hearing
Binoculars/Radar
Bearing circle/Alidade
Night vision devices
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.
CBDR
 Rule 7: Risk of Collision

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

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 Separation schemes my be adopted by
the IMO for the purpose of these Rules.
Use small angle of approach
to enter/depart.
Cross the scheme at right
angles.
You can fish in the lanes as
long as you do not impede
passage of the other vessels.
Small vessels and sailing
vessels shall not impede the
passage of a power driven
vessel in a lane.
 Rule 10: Traffic Separation Schemes

Vessels
not using the traffic separation scheme
should avoid it by as wide a margin as possible.

VesselsRestricted in their Ability to Maneuver

working on the traffic separation scheme or an
underwater cable do not have to comply with
this rule to the extent that it is necessary to
carry out the operation.
Part B-Steering and Sailing Rules
(Rules11-18)
Section 2- Conduct of Vessels in
sight of one another
 Rules 11 & 12

Rule 11 Applicability
These rules apply to vessels in sight of one
another

Rule 12 Sailing Vessels

 Rule 13: Overtaking
Requires the overtaking vessel to keep out of
the way of the vessel being passed.
An overtaking situation exists when a vessel
approaches another vessel more than
22.5deg abaft the beam.
At night can only see the stern light.
 Rule 14: Head On Situation

Rule 14 requires both power-driven vessels to

maneuver to starboard.
A meeting situation exists if two power vessels
approach on reciprocal or near reciprocal courses.
Determined by your ability to see masthead lights in
line or both sidelights or the corresponding aspect
during the day
 Rule 15: Crossing Situation

Rule 15 between POWER-DRIVEN vessels

requires the vessel that has the other on its
starboard side to keep clear.
 Rules 13-15: Vessels in Sight and
in Risk of Collision (Review)

HEAD ON OVERTAKING CROSSING

Description Meeting on Overtaking another Two vessels
reciprocal courses, vessel more than crossing, risk of
masthead lights in 22.5 abaft the beam, collision exists.
line, both sidelights at night only the
visible. sternlight visible.

Action Both vessels turn to Overtaking vessel The vessel which

starboard to pass keeps out of the way holds the other
port-to-port. on the overtaken on her starboard
vessel. must keep out of
the way of the
stand-on vessel.
 Rules 16/17: Action by Give-way and Stand-on
Vessels

Give-way: Every vessel which

is directed to keep out of the
way of another vessel shall, so
far as possible, take early and
substantial action to keep well
clear.
Stand-on: Where one of two
vessels is to keep out of the
way, the other vessel shall
keep her course and speed.
Rules 16/17: Action by Give-way and Stand-on
Vessels

The stand-on vessel should take action to

avoid collision if it is obvious that the
give-way vessel is not maneuvering or if
collision is so close that action by the give
way vessel alone will not avoid collision
Normally you should not alter your
course to port for a vessel on your port
side
 Rule 18: Responsibilities Between Vessels
Vessels in Sight of One Another
Order of Precedence
Vessel not under command
Restricted in ability to maneuver
*Vessel constrained by draft
Vessel engaged in fishing
Sailing vessels
Power driven vessels

Seaplanes

Wing-in-Ground Craft (WIG)

 Part B-Steering and Sailing
Rules (Rule 19)
Section 3- Conduct of Vessels in
restricted visibility
 Rule 19: Vessels in Restricted Visibility

Applicable to vessels not in sight of one

another when operating in or near an area of
restricted visibility
Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed
consistent with visibility conditions
A power driven vessel shall have her engines
ready for immediate maneuvering
 Rule 19: Vessels in Restricted Visibility

If a vessel detects another vessel by radar

alone, it shall:
Determine if a close quarters situation is
developing and/or a risk of collision exists
Take avoiding action early
The following should be AVOIDED
Turn to port for a vessel forward of the beam
An alteration of course toward a vessel abeam or abaft
of beam
 Rule 19: Vessels in Restricted Visibility

If a vessel hears a fog signal of another vessel

forward of her beam or a vessel cannot avoid
a close quarters situation with another vessel
forward of the beam, it shall:
Reduce her speed to bare steerageway
If necessary take all way off
Navigate with extreme caution until the risk of
collision has passed
Part C- Lights and Shapes
(Rules 20-31)
 Rule 20: Application of Lights
and Day shapes
Lights shall be displayed:
From sunset to sunrise
In conditions of restricted visibility
In all other circumstances when deemed
appropriate

Purpose of Lights and Day shapes:

Helps determine stand on/give way status.
Indicates the occupation of certain vessels.
Aids in the determination of target angle and
course.
 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 various 360 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.
 Rule 21:Definitions

Masthead light

Sternlight
Sidelight
 Rule 21:Definitions
Rule 22: Visibility of Lights
 Rule 23: Power-Driven Vessels

A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit:

(i) a masthead light forward; (225.0 Degrees)
(ii) a second masthead light abaft of and higher
than the forward one; except that a vessel of less
than 50 meters in length shall not be obliged to
exhibit such light but may do so;
(iii) sidelights; and
(iv) a sternlight.
Rule 23: Power-Driven Vessels

Air-cushion vessel
operating in the
non-displacement
mode exhibits an
all-round flashing
yellow light
 Rule 23: Power-Driven Vessels

In addition to lights prescribed in this rule a

high intensity, all around flashing red light
 Rule 24: Towing and Pushing

TOWING ASTERN
Tow < 200 m: Two masthead lights in vertical line
Tow > 200 m: Three masthead lights in vertical line
All ships towing display a yellow towing light in a vertical
line above the sternlight
COMPOSITE UNITS
Rigidly connected composite units are treated as a single
power driven vessel
PUSHING AHEAD/ALONGSIDE
Two masthead lights in vertical line
INLAND-Two towing lights vice a towing light and
sternlight
 Rule 24: Towing and Pushing

Lighting the Tow

A vessel being towed shall display sidelights and
sternlight
A vessel being pushed ahead shall display
sidelights and (INLAND) a special flashing light
A vessel towed alongside shall exhibit sidelights
and sternlight and (INLAND) a special flashing
light
 Rule 24: Towing and Pushing

Lighting the Tow

Partially submerged object being towed shall
display:
One all-round white light at the aft end and one at the
forward end.
Diamond shape at or near the end (if >200m tow,
diamond also at the front INTERNATIONAL)
Additional lights shall be used so that the distance
between any two lights is not greater than 100m.
If the object is greater than 25m wide, two (four for
INLAND) all-round white lights shall be used to mark
the extremities
 Power-driven vessel towing asternlength of tow
200meters or less. When masthead lights for towing or
pushing are exhibited aft, a forward masthead light is
required. Same for International.
 Power-driven vessel pushing ahead or towing
alongsidetowing vessel less than 50 meters in
length. (INLAND)
 Power-driven vessel towing asterntowing vessel
less than 50 meters in length; length of tow
exceeds 200 meters.
Same for Inland.
 Dracone being towed
 Vessel being towed alongside (INLAND).
 Rule 24: Towing and Pushing

Dayshapes
Ifthe length of tow is greater
than 200 m, a diamond shall be
displayed on both the vessel
towing and the tow where they
can best be seen
 Rule 25: Sailing Vessels

Lights
Sidelight and a sternlight
Sailing vessels less than
20m in length may
combine the lights into one
lantern carried where it
can best be seen
 Rule 25: Sailing Vessels

Lights
A sailing vessel may also
show an all-round red
light over an all-round
green light in a vertical
line near the top of the
mast. These lights may
not be shown in
conjunction with a
combination lantern.
 Rule 25: Sailing Vessels

A vessel proceeding
under sail when also
being propelled by
machinery shall
exhibit forward
where it can best be
seen a conical shape,
apex downward
 Rule 26: Fishing Vessels

A vessel engaged in fishing, whether

underway or at anchor, shall exhibit only the
lights and shapes prescribed in this Rule.
 Rule 26: Fishing Vessels

Vessels engaged in trawling shall exhibit:

A Green all-round light over a white all-round
light
If > 50m, a masthead light abaft and higher than
the all-round green light
When making way, sidelights and a sternlight
Dayshape two cones in vertical alignment with
their apexes together
 Rule 26: Fishing Vessels

Vessels engaged in fishing other than trawling

shall exhibit:
Red light over a white light vice green over white
If outlying gear extends more than 150m
horizontally from the vessel, a white all-round
light or cone apex upward in the direction of the
gear
Rule 26: Fishing Vessels
 Rule 27: Vessels Not Under Command

Red all-round light

over a red all-round
light
Sternlight and
sidelights when
making way
Dayshape - Two balls
in a vertical line
 Rule 27: Vessels Restricted in their
Ability to Maneuver
A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver,
besides one engaged in mine clearance ops
shall exhibit:
Red over white over Red all-round lights
Sternlight, masthead light or lights, sidelights and
sternlight when making way
Those lights or dayshapes prescribed in Rule 30 if
anchored
 Rule 27: Vessels Restricted in their
Ability to Maneuver
Dayshape Ball over diamond over ball
If also engaged in towing, the vessel shall
exhibit those lights required by Rule 24
If an obstruction exists, the vessel shall exhibit:
Two all-round red lights or balls to indicated the
side on which the obstruction exists
Two all-round green lights or diamonds on the side
which another vessel may pass
When at anchor, these shapes instead of those
prescribed in rule 30.
 Rule 27: Vessels Restricted in their
Ability to Maneuver
Small vessel engaged in diving operations shall
exhibit:
Red over white over red all-round lights
Rigid replica of International Code Flag A not
less than 1 meter in height
Rule 27: Vessels Restricted in their
Ability to Maneuver
Rule 27: Vessels Restricted in their Ability to
Maneuver - Mine clearance
A vessel engaged in mine clearance ops
shall exhibit
The lights prescribed for a power driven
vessel or a vessel at anchor
Three all-round green lights or balls one at the
foremast head, one on each yardarm
This indicates that it is dangerous to approach
within 1000 meters
Rule 27: Vessels Restricted in their Ability to
Maneuver - Mine clearance
 Rule 28: Vessels Constrained
by Draft (Inlt Only)
A vessel constrained in her draft may, in
addition to the lights prescribed for a power
driven vessel, exhibit:
Three all-round red lights in a vertical line or
A cylinder
Rule 28: Vessels Constrained
by Draft (Inlt Only)
 Rule 29: Pilot Vessel (when engaged in
pilotage duty)
White all round light
over a red all round
light
When underway,
sidelights and
sternlight
If anchored,
additionally those
lights prescribed by
Rule 30
 Rule 30: Vessels Anchored and
Vessels Aground
A vessel at anchor shall exhibit:
An all-round white light or ball in the fore part
An all-round white light at or near the stern
lower than the light in the fore part
Vessel of < 50m may exhibit an all-round white
light
A vessel >100m in length shall use available
lights to illuminate her decks
Rule 30: Vessels Anchored
and Vessels Aground
 Rule 30: Vessels Anchored
and Vessels Aground
A vessel aground shall exhibit:
Two all-round red lights in a vertical line
Three balls in a vertical line
An all-round white light or ball in the fore part
An all-round white light at or near the stern
lower than the light in the fore part
Vessel of < 50m may exhibit an all-round white
light
Rule 30: Vessels Anchored
and Vessels Aground
Part D- Sound and Light Signals
(Rules 32-37)
 Signals of Action vs. Signals of Intent
INTERNATIONAL RULES:
*Sound signals for International Rules are signals of action
Signals are sounded upon rudder order
Exchanged by a power-driven vessel and another vessel
Exchanged if vessels are in sight and maneuvering is
required by the Rules.
INLAND RULES:
Sound signals for Inland Rules are signals of intent
Vessels do not maneuver until signals are agreed upon
Exchanged between power-driven vessels only
Exchanged if vessels are in sight and < nm CPA
Rules 32/33: Definitions and Equipment

Whistle: The word whistle means any sound

signaling appliance capable for producing the
prescribed blasts in IAW these Rules.
Short Blast ( ) about
1 second
Prolonged Blast ( )
from 4 to 6 seconds
Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals
- Meeting
International
One short blast =
I am altering my course to starboard
Two short blasts =
`I am altering my course to port
Three short blasts =
I am operating astern propulsion
May also use light flashes of an all-round white
light one second in duration with interval
between flashes about one second and the
interval between successive signals shall be not
less than ten seconds.
Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals -
Meeting
Inland
One short blast =
I intend to leave you on my port side
Two short blasts =
I intend to leave you on my starboard side
Three short blasts =
I am operating astern propulsion
Vessel who hears the one or two blast signals shall
signal her agreement by sounding the same signal.
If she does not agree, she shall sound the danger
signal.
May also use light flashes
Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals
- Meeting
Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals-
Crossing
 Rule 34: Maneuvering and
Warning Signals - Overtaking
International
When in sight of one another in a narrow channel or
fairway:
A vessel intending to overtake another shall in compliance with
Rule 9(e)(i) indicate her intention by the following signals on her
whistle:
Two prolonged one short blast =
I intend to overtake you on your starboard side
Two prolonged two short blasts=
I intend to overtake you on your port side
Vessel being overtaken signals agreement by sounding
one prolonged, one short, one prolonged, one short blast
 Rule 34: Maneuvering and
Warning Signals - Overtaking
International
What is Rule 9(e)(i)?
In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking
can take place only if the vessel to be overtaken has
to take action to permit safe passing, 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). The vessel to be
overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound the
appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(ii) and
take steps to permit safe passing.
 Rule 34: Maneuvering and
Warning Signals - Overtaking

International
Two prolonged one short blast = I intend to
overtake you on your starboard side
Two prolonged two short blasts= I intend to
overtake you on your port side
Vessel being overtaken signals agreement by
sounding one prolonged, one short, one
prolonged, one short blast
 Rule 34: Maneuvering and
Warning Signals - Overtaking

Inland
One short blast = I intend to overtake you on
your starboard side
Two short blasts = I intend to overtake you on
your port side
Vessel being overtaken signals her agreement by
sounding the same signal
 Rule 34: Maneuvering and
Warning Signals - Overtaking
 Rule 34: Maneuvering and
Warning Signals - Danger
International and Inland
Danger signal = five short blasts
When approaching a bend in a channel where
other vessels may be obscured by an intervening
obstruction, sound one prolonged blast. An
approaching vessel around the bend replies with
a prolonged blast.
 Rule 34: Maneuvering and
Warning Signals Leaving Berth

A power driven vessel sounds one prolonged

blast when leaving a dock or berth
INLAND ONLY
 Rule 35: Sound and Light
Signals in Restricted Visibility

Signals shall be sounded at intervals of not

more than two minutes
Power-driven vessel making way sounds one
prolonged blast
A power-driven vessel underway but not
making way sounds two prolonged blasts
about two seconds apart
 Rule 35: Sound and Light
Signals in Restricted Visibility
Vessels not under command, vessels
restricted in their ability to maneuver,
vessels constrained by draft, sailing vessels,
or a vessel engaged in towing or pushing
shall sound one prolonged blast followed by
two short blasts.
Note that fishing vessels or vessels restricted
in their ability to maneuver also sound this
signal while at anchor.
 Rule 35: Sound and Light
Signals in Restricted Visibility
The last vessel in a tow ( if manned) sounds
one prolonged blast followed by three short
blasts immediately following the sound
signal of the vessel doing the towing.
 Rule 35: Sound and Light
Signals in Restricted Visibility

Vessel at anchor rings the ships bell for 5

seconds every one minute.
If the vessel is > 100m, then it rings the bell in
the forepart and then rings the ships gong for
5 seconds in the after part of the vessel.
Vessel at anchor may also sound one short,
one prolonged, and then one short blast of its
whistle to warn approaching vessels.
 Rule 35: Sound and Light
Signals in Restricted Visibility

Vessel aground sounds the bell and gong as

required. In addition she gives three distinct
strokes of the bell immediately before and
after the rapid ringing of the bell.
 Rule 36: Signals to Attract Attention

If necessary to attract the attention of another

vessel, any vessel may make light or sound signals
that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorized
elsewhere in these Rules.
 Memory Aids

Green over white, trawling at night

Red over white, fishing at night
Red over red, captain is dead
Red over green, sailing machine
White over Red, pilot ahead
 COLREGS
III. Interpretive Rules
IV. Demarcation Lines
V. Penalty Provisions
VI. Alternative Compliance
VII. Waters Specified by the Secretary
VIII. Vessel Bridge to Bridge
Radiotelephone Regulations