SEAMANSHIP CH.

8
NAVRULES
The study material for this chapter should include the
USCG Auxiliary Student Study Guide, the chapter on
NAVIGATION RULES in CHAPMANs Piloting,
Seamanship and Small Boat Handling and THE USCG
PUBLICATION COMDTINST M16672.2C,
NAVIGATION RULES, INTERNATIONAL AND
INLAND and this Power Point Presentation.
The study questions and those on the final examination are
covered in the study materials noted above.
 72 COLREGS *
1. An acronym for COLLISION REGULATIONS.
2. TWO sets: International and Inland
3. Inland separated from International by DEMARCATION lines
printed right on the navigation charts.

WHERE THEY APPLY

International rules apply: To ALL vessels on the high seas and in all
waters connected therewith NAVIGABLE BY SEAGOING
VESSELS.
* The COLREGS were set by convention in 1972, subject to
continual amendments.
 COLREGS, Contd
Further, these rules shall NOT interfere with special rules made by
an appropriate authority. A proper authority in the U.S. would be
the USCG.

***NOTE***
There is one other such set of rules, called the
INLAND Rules act of 1980.
 RESPONSIBILITY
KNOWN AS THE RULE OF GOOD SEAMANSHIP AND THE
GENERAL PRUDENTIAL RULE
1. Nothing in these rules shall exonerate any vessel, owner, captain
or crew from penalty for the neglect of complying with the rules,
or by the ordinary practice of good seamanship or by the
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES of the case
2. In following the rules, due regard SHALL be given to all dangers
of navigation and collision and to any SPECIAL
CIRCUMSTANCES,WHICH MAY MAKE A DEPARTURE
FROM THESE RULES NECESSARY TO AVOID IMMEDIATE
DANGER.
 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Special Circumstances are considered situations NOT
COVERED BY THE RULES. Since MEETING,
CROSSING and OVERTAKING rules are designed for
ONLY TWO vessels interacting, THREE VESSELS
COMING TOGETHER IS CONSIDERED A SPECIAL
CIRCUMSTANCE.

When more than two vessels interact, it becomes a

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE
 PURPOSE OF THE RULES
The sole purpose of this set of rules is: TO PREVENT
COLLISIONS! Period. COLLISIONS WITH ANYTHING!
If your actions in any situation produce a collision between your
vessel, and ANYTHING, INCLUDING THE BOTTOM, you have
broken the rules and are subject to punishment!
ADMIRALITY LAW: Some cases are tried in Admiralty Court
where the justice system, unlike our civil and criminal courts which
allow for a pleaDOES NOT PROVIDE FOR A PLEA. In
Admiralty Court, you are presumed guilty as charged. The only
reason you are there is to find out what the punishment will be.
Mitigating circumstances are allowed to be argued but you are still
GUILTY AS CHARGED.
 DEFINITIONS
A POINT
1. There are 32 points on the compass.
2. There are 360 degrees on the compass.

3. 1 POINT = 360/32= 11.25 degrees

The terminology of POINTS has its roots deep in the sailors
language and is continued today. The term POINT is very
useful in communicating in terms of the navigation and
operations language onboard a vessel.
 DEFINITIONS
SHALL and SHOULD
The naval services, including the U.S. Coast Guard have agreed by
convention and documentation on the following interpretation(s):
SHALL is a COMMAND. There is no alternative.
SHOULD is a SUGGESTION and alternatives are available.

These interpretations and definitions are made a part of the laws

governing vessels on the seas of all signing countries.
 LIGHT DEFINITIONS Rule 21
MASTHEAD LIGHT
A segmented white light, visible from dead ahead
to 2 points abaft the beam on each side or for
112.5 degrees on each side, from dead ahead, for a
total of 225 deg.
It is always displayed foreword and as high as
practical, preferably on a mast .
The dark portion is ALWAYS FACING AFT.
 LIGHT DEFINITIONS RULE 21
SIDE LIGHTS
COLORED RED OR Green.
RED is for PORT (Port Wine) side
GREEN is for starboard.
Visible from dead ahead to 112.5 degrees only each light.
Vessels of less than 20 meters may combine the two into one lantern
on the centerline such as on the bow or breasthook of the boat.
They are displayed on the bow when combined or generally near the
foreword quarter on each side.
 LIGHT DEFINITIONS RULE 21
STERNLIGHT
A segmented white light pointed dead astern, inline with
the keel and visible over an arc of 135 degrees facing dead
aft; 67.5 degrees either side of the keel line. Dark side
facing forward.
 LIGHT DEFINITIONS
TOWING LIGHT
Exactly the same as the stern light, except that it is
YELLOW.
It is displayed OVER the stern light and indicates
TOWING ON A HAWSERFROM THE REAR OF
THE TOWBOAT).
HINT( Yellow over white, my hawsers tight) (Towing
Hawser/cable)
 LIGHT DEFINITINS RULE 21
ALL ROUND LIGHT
Any light that is visible through the complete, unbroken,
360 degree circle. Generally white, green, red or yellow.
 LIGHT DEFINITIONS RULE 21
FLASHING LIGHT
Machinegun fast at 2 per second or 120+ per minute.
When assigned to a HOVER CRAFT or HYDROFOIL,
the color is AMBER or YELLOW.
 LIGHT VISIBILITY RULE 22
SIZE MASTHEAD LT. SIDELIGHT. STERNLIGHT
Less than 12M 2nm 1nm 2nm
12 < 20M 3 2 2
20 - < 50M 5 2 2
50M or more 6 3 3
 GIVE WAY VESSEL
NOTE: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS RIGHT
OF WAY ANYMORE. ONLY STAND-ON
AND GIVE-WAY!
Some older texts continue to occasionally use the tem right of way.

The designated GIVE - WAY vessel SHALL take early and

substantial action to KEEP CLEAR.
She should NOT cross the bow of the Stand ON vessel, nor
create another close quarters situation by turning towards
the S.O. vessel.
 STAND - ON VESSEL
When one vessel must give way, the other vessel MUST HOLD
COURSE and SPEED( unless operating under Rule 8)
The S.O. Vessel may take action to avoid collision as soon as it is
apparent to her that the give-way vessel is not taking proper action
to do so.
When vessels are so close that action by the give-way vessel alone
will not avoid a collision, the other vessel must act to do so.
Action by the stand-on vessel to avoid a collision does not relieve the
give-way vessel of her obligation to keep out of the way.
GIVE WAY VESSELS DANGER
ZONE
 DEFINITIONS

1. POWER DRIVEN VESSEL: Propelled by MACHINERY.

2. UNDERWAY: Not anchored, aground or made fast to shore.
3. SHORT BLAST = 1 second ; symbol =
4. PROLONGED BLAST = 4 - 6 seconds; symbol =
5. SAILING VESSEL: Propelled by SAIL ONLY
6. SAFE SPEED: Depends on a number of ingredients; visibility,
traffic, your maneuverability, wind, sea, current, etc.
 DEFINITIONS CONTd
1. VESSEL: Includes every description of water craft used as a
means of transportation on the water, including Hovercraft,
Hydrofoils, Seaplanes and barges.
2. POWER DRIVEN VESSEL: Any vessel propelled by machinery.
3. COMPOSITE UNIT: Special built two-part hull, when joined by
hydraulic rams, is considered a motor vessel rather than a towing
vessel. Acts unto the waves as one.
4. SAILBOAT: Any vessel under sail provided that propelling
machinery, if fitted, is NOT being used.
 DEFINITIONS CONTd
SEVEN CLASSES OF VESSELS
1. NUC: Vessel Not Under Command. Due to some exceptional
circumstance, cannot maneuver according to the rules. Unable
to keep out of the way. Highest priority of AVOID.
1. RAM: Restricted in Ability to Maneuver due to nature of her
work. Unable to keep out of way of other vessels. Next highest
order of AVOID.
2. CBD: Constrained By Draft. Cannot maneuver out of the way
because of insufficient water Needs their half of channel in the
middle! This designation exists ONLY in Inland rules. NOT in
International rules,
 SEVEN CLASSES OF VESSELS
CONTd
4. FISHING VESSEL: Engaged in fishing with nets, lines,
trawling, or other apparatus restricting her maneuvering ability.
5. SAILBOAT: Sail only; no power on.
6. POWER BOAT: Propelled by machinery
7. SUBMARINES, HOVERCRAFT in the displacement mode,
SEAPLANES, etc.
Just remember: New Reels Catch Fish So Purchase Some.
Also known as the General PECKING ORDER or order of
precedence.
 LOOKOUT RULE
DEFINITION: A person assigned to do NOTHING except be an
extra set of eyes for the captain.( NO EXCEPTIONS)
RULE: Every vessel is required to maintain a PROPER lookout at
all times using eyes/ears and any other means available.

If a collision occurs, the Lookout was IMPROPER! No exceptions!

 RISK OF COLLISION
EVERY vessel SHALL use every means, including radar and
lookout, to help in determining if there is a risk of collision. IF
THERE IS EVER ANY DOUBT, THEN THERE IS A RISK. If
there was a collision, there must have been a risk!
A risk exists if the bearing of an approaching vessel does not
appreciably change. In cases of large vessels or vessels close by
even a large bearing change does NOT guarantee that there is no
risk of collision.
 ACTION TO AVOID COLLISION
Action SHALL be positive and made in AMPLE TIME. Any
alteration of course or speed to avoid collision SHALL be large
enough to be understood by another vessel observing visually or by
radar. Small course and speed changes should be avoided for that
reason.
Any action to avoid a collision MUST NOT result in another close
quarters situation.Close quarter situations should always be
avoided. Perhaps a course change alone will do.
This rule allows a stand-on vessel to consider the hazards of holding
course and speed. However, if the SO departs, they are still liable for
breaking the rule of NOT holding course and speed. You get to
explain what happened!
 POWER VESSELS LIGHTS
UNDERWAY
STANDARD RUNNING LIGHTS. SIDE LIGHTS AND STERN
LIGHT.
Vessels less than 12M may, instead of other lights, exhibit an all-
round white light and side lights ( as most of the small boats you
see daily).
The all round white light is really a masthead light and the stern
light, combined.
The 7/7 rule: Vessels less than 7 M in length with max speeds of 7
kts. May show just an all round white light and only if practicable,
side lights.
 ROW BOATS AND THE 7/7 RULE
A vessel under OARS, may exhibit the lights prescribed in
the rules for sailing vessels or SHALL SHOW A LIGHTED
LANTERN in sufficient time to prevent a collision.
Vessels less than 7 meters in length with a max attainable
speed of 7 knots may show just one all round white light. If
practicable, side lights.
 TOWING/PUSHING LIGHTS
Powerboat, when working as a tow or pushing: One additional
masthead light.
When towing a tow greater than 200M( called a LONG TOW still
another additional MH light. A tow 200M or less is called a SHORT
TOW. There is no light for a short tow.
Example: 120M tow boat with a 250M tow behind = 4 MH
vertically;
Two MH lights for power vessels more than 50M in length, 1 MH
light for working as a tow boat and 1 for towing a tow in excess of
200 meters. Four is the maximum number of masthead lights you
will ever see.
 TOWING/PUSHING LIGHTS
In addition to the Masthead and side lights, power vessels towing on
a hawser will show the YELLOW TOWING LIGHT above the white
stern light. YELLOW OVER WHITE, MY HAWSERs TIGHT!

When PUSHING ahead or towing alongside, the white sternlight is

out and TWO YELLOW TOWING LIGHTS will be shown, one
over the other. YELLOW OVER YELLOW, IM A PUSHING OR
HIPTOWING FELLOW!
 KINDS OF LIGHTS
THERE ARE THREE KINDS OF NIGHT LIGHTS
1. Running lights: Tells the world you are underway and
running: side lights, stern light and masthead light.
2. Working lights: Tells the world how big you are and how
you are working: Masthead lights, towing lights
3. Identification lights: Tells the world who you are; NUC,
RAM, FISH, SAIL, etc.
 IDENTIFICATION LIGHTS
PRIMARY COLORS: RED, WHITE, GREEN.
Flown from: As high on the foremast as possible or on a yard.
NUC: Not Under Command: RED OVER RED (The Captains Dead)
RAM: RED OVER WHITE OVER RED. Do Not Pass side Red over Red. Pass
side: Green over Green.
TRAWLER: GREEN OVER WHITESHRIMPING AT NIGHT
FISH: RED OVER WHITE; FISING AT NIGHT
PILOT BOAT: WHITE OVER RED; PILOT AHEAD
CBD: THREE REDS IN A ROW; No room below
SAIL: RED OVER GREEN; A SAILING MACHINE
 SOUND SIGNALS
Whenever it becomes necessary to signal another vessel of your
intended course changes or that you are going to make them, they
are communicated by a WHISTLE, HORN OR LIGHT in a series of
dots and dashes.
DOT = one short blast by whistle or light of one second duration
DASH= one PROLONGED BLAST by whistle or light OF 4-6
SECOND DURATION.

***NOTE*** there is no such thing as a LONG BLAST! No matter

where you hear it or who says it!
 SOUND and LIGHT SIGNALS

Vessels less than 12 meters do NOT REQUIRE either a

whistle or a bell, but this does NOT relieve the vessel from
having this equipment or some other means of making an
efficient sound signal.
 ACTION/WARNING SIGNALS
One short blast: You are going to turn your boat to your
right
Two short blasts:You are going to turn your boat to the
left
Three short blasts: I AM OPERATING
ASTERN PROPULSION
+ Five or more short blasts : The International
DANGER or DOUBT signal.
Four Shorts: Reserved for the PILOT BOAT ONLY! It
says I am a PILOT BOAT Stay away!
 HOW THEY ARE INTERPRETED
ONE SHORT BLAST: (In sight of other vessel)
Inland Rules: I INTEND TO LEAVE YOU ON MY PORT SIDE.
Requires CONSENT and REPLY. Same signal as sent.
International Rules ( OPEN WATER): I AM ALTERING COURSE
TO STARBOARD.
No Reply or consent required in open water. Clear the area and
GO!
Note: Draw a diagram of this maneuver. Look at the maneuver
relative to another boat and the literal interpretation. Its just
common sense.
 INTERPRETATION OF SOUND
SIGNALS
SIGNAL: TWO SHORT BLASTS :
INLAND WATERS: I INTEND TO LEAVE YOU ON MY
STARBOARD SIDE.
CONSENT AND REPLY: Same signal sent.
INTERNATIONAL WATERS: I am altering course to Port.
CONSENT AND REPLY (None in open water): None: Clear the area
and GO!
 INTERPRETATION
THREE SHORTS: I am operating ASTERN PROPULSION.
This is NOT an action signal and requires no consent or reply.
NOTICE: Do not read anything into this statement.This does NOT
say he is backing down or that he has specific motion of any kind.
Small boats react almost immediately to power applications. Large
vessels must overcome inertia before they actually begin to move. It
is more apparent when a large vessel is in normal cruise and then
needs to stop. It may take several to many hours of max power in
astern propulsion, for the large vessel to even begin to slow down,
much less stop.
ASTERN PROPULSION
 SAFE SPEED

CONSIDERATIONS:
Visibility
Traffic
Your vessels maneuverability
Weather situation
Wind, sea, current
IS ALWAYS A JUDGEMENT CAL L
 MEETING CROSSING -
OVERTAKING
Underway, a vessel is ALWAYS in one of three configurations:
MEETING, CROSSING or OVERTAKING
MEETING: BOW TO BOW.At night: Both side lights of the other
vessel are visible.
CROSSING: Only one side of other vessel is in view. Nighttime, only
one sidelight is in view.
OVERTAKING: Approaching from more than 2 points abaft the
beam, either side. Night lights; of the running lights, only the stern
light of the other vessel will be visible.
MEETING
 MEETING
PASSING PORT TO PORT

One short blast each

NORMAL PASSING
CROSSING
OVERTAKING

GIVE WAY VESSEL

 DANGER ZONE
1. EVERY VESSEL HAS A DANGER ZONE WHICH EXTENDS
FROM DEAD AHEAD TO 2 POINTS ABAFT THE BEAM ON
THE STARBOARD SIDE ONLY.
2. ANY VESSEL ENTERING YOUR DANGER ZONE, no matter
how, AUTOMATICALLY BECOMES THE STANDON
VESSEL.. While such, he must hold his course and speed at all
times.
3. At the same time, your vessel automatically becomes the
GIVEWAY VESSEL and must stay out of the way of the STAND
ON vessel at all times.
4. The STAND ON GIVE WAY situation results from VESSEL
INTERACTION with other vessels only.
 ANCHORED SIGNALS IN FOG
1. Vessels less than 100 meters: Rapid ringing of the Bell for 5
seconds.
2. Vessels 100 meters or more: Rapid ringing of the Bell forward,
then rapid sounding of the GONG from the aft. Each for 5
seconds.
3. Signals to be repeated in intervals of NOT LESS THAN one
minute.
4. Can supplement regular sound signal with SHORT
PROLONGED SHORT BLASTS Which say..ships position
stationary!
5. For the PILOT BOAT: four shorts AFTER THE BELL
SIGNALS.
 AGROUND SIGNALS IN FOG
SAME SIGNALS AS ANCHORED, EXCEPT ADD THREE
STRONG CLAPS ON THE BELL BEFORE AND AFTER THE
RAPID RINGING OF THE BELL. The three strong claps on the
bell DO NOT go with the GONGOnly on the Bell! Sound the
GONG the same as if you were anchored.
Repeat interval is also NOT LESS THAN one minute.
SPECIAL NOTE: Care must be taken NOT to sound a bell too
frequently, so as to make it sound like a continuous signal. ANY
CONTINUOUS SOUND SIGNAL IS CONSIDERED TO BE AN
INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS SIGNAL.
 DAY SHAPES
Day shapes are BLACK in color and vary in size. They are either
Balls, Diamonds or Triangles except for one Basket and one
Cylinder. They are flown when needed from the highest point or
yard where they can be readily seen.
ANCHORED: One Black ball fits all.
NUC: Two black balls, one over the other
AGROUND: Three black balls vertically
MINE SWEEPER: Three black balls in a triangle
RAM: Ball Diamond Ball vertically. Two black diamonds
vertically on the pass side. Two black balls on the no-pass side,
vertically.
 DAY SHAPES CONTD
LONG TOW( more than 200 M): Single black diamond
SHORT TOW: NONE
SAIL UNDER POWER: Single black triangle with the apex DOWN
GEAR EXTENDED 150M +: Single black triangle on its base.
FISHING/TRAWLING: Two black triangles, base to - base (hour
glass)
FISH LESS THAN 20 M: Basket painted black(or any color)
CBD: Single black cylinder.
PILOT BOAT: NONE
 NIGHT LIGHTS
IDENTIFICATION LIGHTS may be red, green or
white and are ALL ROUND, 360 DEGREE
LIGHTS.
NAVIGATION OR RUNNING LIGHTS ARE
SHIELDED either white, red or green.
WARNING LIGHTS may be red or blue or yellow
or amber, all round or shielded and fixed or
flashing.
NORMAL POWER VESSEL DAY
NO SIGNAL
ANCHOR - DAY
ANCHOR - NIGHT
NIGHT ANCHOR - > 50 m
VESSEL NUC - DAY
NOT UNDER COMMAND - NIGHT
AGROUND <50M - DAY
AGROUND <50m - NIGHT
AGROUND 50M + - NIGHT
CLASSIC MINESWEEPER - DAY
MINESWEEPER - NIGHT
 VESSEL RAM ( NO
RESTRICTIONS TO PASS)
RAM - NIGHT
RAM DO NOT PASS TO
STARBOARD
RAM DO NOT PASS TO
STARBOARD
LESS THAN 50M TOWING
SHORT TOW - NIGHT
LONG TOW >200m DAY
LONG TOW - NIGHT
SAIL UNDER POWER - DAY

NOTE TRIANGLE
POINTING TO DECK
SAIL - NIGHT
FISHING - GEAR OUT > 150m -
DAY
FISHING GEAR OUT >150M -
NIGHT
FISHING/TRAWLING DAY
20M OR MORE IN LENGTH
FISHING - NIGHT
TRAWLING - NIGHT
CBD - DAY
CBD - NIGHT
PILOT BOAT - DAY

NO DAY SHAPE
PILOT BOAT - NIGHT
COMPOSITE - NIGHT
HOVERCRAFT - NIGHT
DISPLACEMENT MODE
 SUB NIGHT
YELLOW LIGHT
 REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 1
1. Under the Inland Rules, two power driven vessels
meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal headings as
to involve risk of collision, shall, at a distance within
half a mile of each other signal to pass each other
with_____ .
a. one short blast to mean I intend to leave you on my port side.
b. two short blasts to mean I intend to leave you on my starboard side.
c. three short blasts to meanstay as you are do not alter course or speed.
d. One short blast and one prolonged blast to mean which way will you
alter course?
 REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 2
2. Risk of collision can be ascertained by carefully
watching the compass bearing of an approaching
vessel. Such risk should be considered to exist
if_______________
a. the bearing remains constant
b. the bearing draws rapidly aft
c. the bearing draws rapidly foreword
d. the bearing in terms of the angular measurement
from your bow peak is rapidly increasing.
 REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 3
3. Which of the following factors shall be taken into
account when determining safe speed?
a. vessels fuel consumption
b. vessels maneuverability
c. vessels top speed
d. vessels length
 REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 4
4. The 1980 Inland Navigation Rules and the
International Rules define a power driven
vessel as_________
a. any vessel propelled by machinery
b. documented vessels only
c. a sailing vessel provided with propelling
machinery that is not being used
d. large seagoing vessels only
 REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 5
5. In an overtaking situation, which of the following
statements is NOT correct?
a. A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with
another vessel from a direction more than 22 degrees abaft the
beam.
b. A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking, if in such a position to
the other vessel that at night, it is able to see one of the sidelights
of that other vessel.
c. Any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the
vessel being overtaken.
d. When a vessel is in doubt as to whether it is overtaking another, it
shall assume that this is the case and act accordingly.
 REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 6
6. The 1980 Inland Navigation Rules state, that in a
crossing situation_________
a. on a river, the power driven vessel ascending or
descending the river shall keep out of the way of a
vessel crossing the river.
b. the vessel which has the other on its starboard side
shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances
of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.
c. the vessel which has the other on its starboard side
shall maintain course and speed.
d. both vessels can maneuver in any manner desired.
 REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 7
7. Under the 1980 Inland Navigational Rules and the
International Rules, while in fog you hear a ships bell
being rung rapidly for about 5 seconds at intervals of not
more than 1 minute, the vessel you hear is probably
_________________.
a. towing another vessel
b. aground
c. pushing another vessel
d. anchored
 REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 8

8. Under the International Rules and the 1980 Inland

Navigational Rules, a vessel under oars _______
a. shall exhibit only a stern light
b. shall exhibit only a bow light
d. shall exhibit only combination lights
d. may exhibit the lights prescribe in the rules for
sailing vessels or shall show a lighted lantern in
sufficient time to prevent collision.
 REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 9

9. Side lights are defined as________________

a. a green light on the starboard side and red light on
the port side.
b. any colored light displayed on the side of a vessel
c. lights at the side of a vessel which can only be seen
when approaching the side of the vessel.
d. a red light on the starboard side and green light on
the port side.
 REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 10

10. The prescribed whistle signal for the Pilot Boat

is__________
a. one short blast
b. two short blasts
c. three short blasts
d. four short blasts
END CHAPTER 8