The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) provide fundamental rules that govern the conduct of vessels to prevent collisions on the water. These rules are designed to ensure the safety of all vessels and promote consistent navigation practices worldwide. Let’s explore the fundamental rules outlined in the IRPCS:
Rule 5: Lookout
Every vessel must maintain a proper lookout at all times by sight and hearing, using all available means, to assess the situation and avoid collisions. This includes regularly monitoring the surroundings, scanning for other vessels, and being aware of any potential risks or hazards.
Rule 6: Safe Speed
Every vessel must operate at a safe speed, taking into account factors such as visibility, traffic density, maneuverability of the vessel, and environmental conditions. The speed should be adjusted to allow for proper and timely action to avoid collisions.
Rule 7: Risk of Collision
Every vessel must use all available means to determine if there is a risk of collision with another vessel. This includes assessing the bearing, range, and closing speed of the other vessel. If a risk of collision exists, appropriate action must be taken to avoid it.
Rule 8: Action to Avoid Collision
In situations where there is a risk of collision, the actions taken should be clear, positive, and made in ample time. The vessel with the right of way must take action to avoid collision, while the vessel that must give way should maintain its course and speed, if possible, unless it becomes necessary to alter to avoid danger.
Rule 9: Narrow Channels
When navigating in narrow channels, vessels should keep to the starboard (right) side of the channel. If two vessels are approaching each other head-on, each vessel should keep to the starboard side, passing port-to-port. In overtaking situations, the vessel being overtaken has the right of way.
Rule 13: Overtaking
When overtaking another vessel, the vessel being overtaken has the right of way and should maintain its course and speed. The overtaking vessel should keep clear and maneuver in a way that avoids a collision. The overtaking vessel should also sound the appropriate signal to indicate its intention to overtake.
Rule 19: Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
In conditions of restricted visibility, such as fog or heavy rain, vessels should navigate at a safe speed, sound appropriate fog signals, and take all necessary precautions to avoid collisions. The use of radar and other navigational aids is crucial in such situations.
These fundamental rules, along with other specific rules and regulations outlined in the IRPCS, provide a framework for safe navigation and collision avoidance at sea. It is important for all vessel operators to have a thorough understanding of these rules, to apply them consistently, and to exercise good seamanship to ensure the safety of themselves and others on the water.
