Rules of the Nautical Road

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International - Inland

Retired CAPT Levine

Opening Statistics

Collisions more common at night, most common on 4-8 watch. Change in visibility is a contributing factors.

Three ways for vessels to meet (with collision case %):

Collision rarely due to lack of knowledge. Mostly due to lack of time and practice.

Quick History

Started in about 1840 codified in England. Generally accepted by most maritime nations in latter half of 19th century. Continual edits even currently.

You do not have to be in danger to sound the danger signal, can be used in any scenario where doubt is present

Rules 1-3

General Rules

Rule 1 - General - Application

These rules apply to all vessels:

Special Rules may be enacted by host nation for special purpose vessels but should not c conflict with intl rqmts

SECNAV may authorize special lights, shaped and signals for warships

Huey P long bridge is a line of demarcation - Inside of line is inland outside of line is international.

No international/inland in Alaska and Puget sound. All international

Specific rules for traffic separation schemes (Rule 10)

vessels of special construction shall comply as closely as possible with respect to the rules.

The inland rules also apply to vessels of the United states on the Canadian waters as long as there is no conflict with Canadian law

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.

Due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision, may make a departure from these rules to avoid immediate danger.

Catch all rule, person in charge must do everything possible to avoid collision.

Rule 2(a):

More than two vessels approaching each other with a risk of collision

Presence of shallow water, or presence of third vessel that makes it impossible to maneuver

Rule 3 - Definitions

General definitions

Vessel - every description of water craft, including non-displacement craft and sea planes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

Power Driven Vessel - any vessel propelled by machinery

Sailing vessel - under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used

Vessel engaged in fishing - vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing apparatus which restricts maneuverability, but does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing apparatus which does not restrict ability to maneuverability.

Seaplane - includes any aircraft designed to maneuver on the water

Vessel not under command - vessel which through some exceptional means is unable to maneuver as required by these rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel eg. rudder failure

Vessel restricted in ability to maneuver - vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to maneuver

Vessel constrained by Draft - water too shallow to adequately maneuver

Underway - vessel not at anchor, or made fast to the shore or aground

Restricted visibility - Condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms, or any other similar causes

WIG - Wing in Ground, uses cushion of air to travel just above the waters surface

Length and breadth

Vessels shall be deemed to be in sight of one another only when one can be observed visually from the other

ANY CONDITION OF VISIBILITY

Rule 4 - Visibility

There are 3 sections to Part B, the steering and sailing rules:

Section I applies to "_any condition of visibility" and includes rules 4-10. these rules must be followed at all times.

Section II includes Rules 11-18 and applies to vessels "_in sight of one another"

Section III applies to vessels in "restricted visibility" and is comprised of rule 19

Rule 5 - Look Out

Every vessel SHALL AT ALL TIMES maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all means appropriate in teh prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision

No duties shall be assigned or undertaken which would interfere with the keeping of a proper lookout.

The duties of the lookout and helmsman are separate, and a helmsman who is steering is not a lookout

during the day, circumstances may permit the watch officer to sagely be the sole lookout, but only after he/she assesses each situation.

Assistance must be immediately available

Rule 6 - Safe Speed

"Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to teh prevailing circumstances and conditions"

Notice that the rule Does not define what safe speed is but rather instructs you to constantly evaluate the prevailing circumstances and conditions

Factors determining safe speed include:

Additionally, vessels with operational radar shall consider:

Rule 7 - Risk of collision

All available means shall be used to determine if risk of collision exists; if in doubt as to whether or not it exists, assume that it does!!

If your vessel has a radar and it is operational, it shall be used for long range scanning and tracking(determine risk of collision early)

Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information

To determine if risk of collision exists, take into account:

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.

Any alteration of course or speed to avoid collision shall be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or by radar

A succession of small alterations of course or speed should be avoided.

Alteration of course alone may be the most effective action to avoid a close-quarters situation provided that it is made in good time, is substantial and does not result in another close-quarters situation.

Take early and substantial action

Let the other vessel be certain you ate taking appropriate action

Make sure the other vessel is safely "past and clear" - A suitable distance apart.

If necessary or you need more tine to assess the situation, slow down or stop.

Head on situation

Turn to starboard, pass port to port.

Crossing situation

vessel to starboard is stand on vessel.

Overtaking situation

Forward vessel is stand-on vessel, pass on either side - Use whistle signals to communicate

Rule 9 - Narrow Channels

A "narrow channel" is not defined in teh Rules. there are no limits to length, width or depth, except in relation to the vessels involved.

In general, it may be considered narrow when, due to depth or distances between hazards, one or both vessels are severely restricted in room to maneuver.

A channel marked by buoys may be considered a "narrow channel" to a deep draft vessel but not to a shallow draft vessel that can navigate outside the buoyed channel.

Stay as near to the starboard side of the channel as possible.

INLAND - a PDV operating on teh Great lakes, western rivers, or waters specified by the Secretary AND proceeding DOWN BOUND with a following current shall:

The up bound vessel shall hold as necessary to permit safe passing.

Vessels of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate ONLY within a narrow channel or fairway.

A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.

SAILFISH 20 - sailing, fishing, <20m shall not impede channel

A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway.

INT - when a vessel being overtaken in a narrow channel or fairway has to take action to permit safe passing, both vessels must exchange the signals of Rule 34

The overtaking vessel can only proceed after the overtaken vessel signals its agreement. if the overtaken vessel does not agree she MAY sound the sound the danger signal.

INLAND - comms may be exchanged via radio.

The overtaking vessel can only proceed after the overtaken vessel signals its agreement. if the overtaken vessel does not agree she SHALL sound the sound the danger signal.

A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured SHALL navigate with particular alertness and caution and SHALL sound ONE PROLONGED BLAST(4-6secs)

Any vessel SHALL avoid anchoring in a narrow channel

27MAY25 Rick Comeau

Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes

A vessel using a traffic separation scheme SHALL:

proceed in the appropriate direction for the lane it is in

keep clear of the separation zone

normally join or leave a traffic lane at teh termination of the lane, but if entering from either side, the vessel shall do so at as small an angle as possible

a vessel shall, so far as practicable, avoid crossing traffic lanes but if obliged to do so shall cross on a heading as nearly as predictable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.

a vessel not crossing or joining a scheme shall not normally enter a separation zone except:

A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane

A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power driven vessel following a traffic lane

A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver is exempted from complying with this rule to the extent necessary to carry out her operation

Rule 11 - Vessels in Sight of One Another

The Rules concerning overtaking, meeting, and crossing situations apply ONLY to vessels in sight of one another

This means that vessels can see each other visually

"in sight" does NOT include the use of radar

Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels

When two sailing vessels are approaching, wind coming over port side is the give way vessel

Boom to starboard - give way
Boom to port - stand on

When both have the wind on teh same side, teh vessel which is to windward on the same side, the vessel which is to windward has to give way

Rule 13 - Overtaking

Any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the vessel being overtaken

A vessel is overtaking if

If in doubt as to whether an overtaking situation exists, assume it does

Any subsequent alteration of bearing shall not make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel

The overtaking vessel is NOT relieved of her responsibility to remain clear until she is finally past and clear of the vessel being overtaken

Overtaking vessel is the give-way vessel

Rule 14 - Head on Situation

Occurs when two POWER DRIVEN vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses and risk of collision exists

Each vessel shall alter course to starboard and pass PORT to PORT

A head on situation exists when each vessel sees the other vessel ahead on a seemingly reciprocal course and by night she can see the masthead lights of the other in a line or nearly in a line

Differences with the inland rule
Unless otherwise agreed, which allows vessels in inland waters to pass Starboard to Starboard

A PDV operating on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers or waters specified by the Secretary AND proceeding DOWN BOUND with a following current SHALL:

Communicating via cell phone is not considered good seamanship

Rule 15 - Crossing Situation

Occurs when two PDVs are crossing paths so as to involve risk of collision

the vessel that has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and SHALL, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel

Additional section for inland rule:
On the great lakes, western rivers or water specified by the secretary ---

Masthead lights so power driven

Rule 16 - Action by the Give Way Vessel

Take early and substantial action

Let the other vessel be certain you are taking appropriate action

Make sure the other vessel is safely "past and clear" - a suitable distance apart

Action must fall within the guidelines of Rule 8

Rule 17 - Action by Stand on Vessel

Applies when 1 of 2 vessels is to keep out of the way - Risk of collision must exist. the stand on vessel must:

Hold course and speed

let the other vessel take appropriate action

If the give way vessel fails to act, the stand on vessel MAY take appropriate action

Stand on vessel does not have to take appropriate action until she finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give way vessel alone
This point is known as "In extremis"

only at the time of in extremis, is the stand on vessel REQUIRED to take action

Rule 18 - Responsibilities Between Vessels

Who has to keep out of the way?

This rule applies except where the following Rules otherwise require:

From MOST to LEAST privileged:
Vessel Not under command
Vessel Restricted in ability to maneuver
Vessel Constrained by draft
Vessel engaged in Fishing
Sailing vessel
Power-driven vessel
Seaplane
WIG

Rule 19 - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility

Applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility

if you can see the other vessel, this Rule does not apply

every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed (PDV engines ready for maneuver)

Necessity to keep a proper and vigilant lookout

Restricted visibility - Rules 4-10 in section I apply at all times. this rule applies i addition to those rules

Risk of collision - if detected by radar alone:

Risk of collision - if detected

To overtake another vessel in restricted visibility is extremely hazardous and should be avoided.

When navigating in or neat an area of restricted visibility vessels are required to sound fog signals

unless you determine there is no risk of collision, anytime you hear a fog signal apparently coming from forward of your beam you should;

Rule 20 - Lights and Dayshapes

Rules in this part shall be complied with in ALL WEATHERS

the rules concerning lights SHALL be complied with from SUNSET TO SUNRISE and during such times NO other lights shall be exhibited which would obstruct or be mistaken for navigation lights.

They shall also be shown from SUNRISE TO SUNSET in restricted visibility

The rules with lights shall be complied with by DAY

Rule 21 - Definitions

Masthead light - white - 225°, from 22.5° abaft the beam on both sides

Port sidelight - red - 112.5° - 6 miles

Starboard side light - green - 112.5° - 3 miles

Stern light - White - 135° - 3 miles

Towing light - yellow - 135° - 3 miles

all around light - various - 360° - 3 miles

Flashing light - various - flashes regular intervals 120 flashes per minute

Special flashing light - yellow - 50 to 70 flashes per minute - INLAND ONLY

Rule 22 - Visibility of lights

Vessels >= 50 meters

Masthead light - white - 225°, from 22.5° abaft the beam on both sides - 6 miles

Port sidelight - red - 112.5° - 3 miles

Starboard side light - green - 112.5° - 3 miles

Stern light - White - 135° - 3 miles

Towing light - yellow - 135° - 3 miles

all around light - various - 360° - 3 miles

Changes for smaller ships

Rule 23 - Power Driven Vessels Underway

Two masthead lights if >= 50m - Front will always be lower
one if below 50m, can add more but not required

Vessels less than 20m

WIG - high intensity flashing red light

Rule 24 - Towing and pushing - inland vs int

Towing astern - exceeds 200m will have diamond and extra masthead light.

If a composite unit - Lit as a normal ship would be lit.

Ahead or alongside - tow measured stern to stern

INTERNATIONAL - no tow light, white over white
INLAND - Two yellow towing lights, two white lights

Vessel or object being towed - Sidelights and stern light

Diamond day shape indicated a tow over 200m

Yellow over white - regular astern tow

Vessel being towed alongside or pushed

When pushing from behind - towed vessel has no stern light for captain visibility
When pushing from the hip - Stern light present

INLAND - Special flashing light - Pushed ahead in inland waters

Characteristics of a flashing light - 120 flashes per minute, various colors, 360°

Inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object
less than 25m in breadth

one all around light at or near each end (Except dracones)

>25m in breadth

two additional all-around lights marking the extreme breadth
A diamond shape at or near aftermost extremity of last vessel

200m in length and additional diamond shape

Towing and Pushing - Inland Only

Above Huey P. Long bridge on the Mississippi - no masthead light required

Rule 25 - Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars
Less than 20m

you can combine sidelights and stern
once you start motor-sailing, extinguish colored masthead lights and replace with 360° white light

Under Oars

A small light only shown when necessary

Sailing vessel under power

Triangle with apex facing downwards

Rule 26 - Fishing Vessels
Engaged in Trawling

Dragging through the water a net or other fishing appliance
Trawling - not making way
Day shape - Two triangles apexes together

Show lights from sunset to sunrise and in conditions of restricted visibility
Day Shapes are by day - obv

Engaged in fishing other than trawling:

Rule 27 - Vessels Not Under Command or RAM
NUC

Through some exceptional circumstance, a vessel that is unable to maneuver.

RAM

Severely limited in ability to maneuver through the nature of her work

RAM - Towing operations astern

will have yellow towing light astern both international and inland

Dredging or underwater operations

NO ANCHOR LIGHTS AT ANCHOR

Lots of shapes -> Two balls - RAM - Two Diamonds -> Pass on diamond side
Two vertical red lights - RAM - Two vertical green -> Pass on green

Mine Clearance Operations

Green Christmas tree of Death - 3 Green in a T

Typically the Masthead light is the superior light

Rule 28 - Vessels Constrained by her draft
Vessel constrained by her Draft - International only

No CBD inland

Rule 29 - Pilot Vessels
Vessel engaged in Pilotage duties

No masthead light

Carries pilots to and from ship as well.

Lights for pilot boat are an additional identifier that can be shown

Rule 30 - Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground

Less than 50m - all around light
More than 50m - aft and forward all around white lights

Add more here from slides

Rule 31 - Seaplanes
Rule 32 - Definitions

Whistle -
short blast -
Prolonged blast -

Missed these

Rule 33 - Equipment for sound signals

<12m - any type
12-100m - Whistle and bell
> 100 - whistle, bell, and gong

Bell no longer required on vessels >= 12 but < 20

Rule 34 - Maneuvering & Warning Signals
International

"I AM"
Signals my be supplemented by light signals, white light visible at 5 miles

Meeting or crossing and action is required (No answer is required)

Inland

"I INTEND"

Meeting or crossing at a distance within 1/2 mile, each vessel when maneuvering shall indicate the maneuver as follows

Overtaking in a narrow channel or fairway and action is required
international - any vessel
inland - PDV

A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel where other vessels may be obscured shall sound one prolonged blast

Signal shall be answered with a prolonged blast by an approaching vessel within hearing around the bend
come to an agreement when in sight of one another

inland only

allow vessels to reach agreement with one another in a head on crossing, or overtaking situation using VHF
If agreement is not reached, whistle signals shall be exchanged

Rule 35 - Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility

Power driven vessel MAKING WAY - intervals not more than 2 minutes

Power driven vessel STOPPED and MAKING NO WAY - intervals no more than 2 minutes

NUC, CBD, Sailing, Fishing, Towing or pushing - Intervals not more than 2 minutes

Vessel BEING TOWED or if more than one, LAST VESSEL IN TOW, IF MANNED at intervals of not more than 2 minutes. LONG-SHORT-SHORT-SHORT

Vessels at ANCHOR shall sound the following at intervals of not more than 1 minute
<100m - ring bell rapidly 5 sec
>= ring bell rapidly for 5 sec (forward) then gong for 5 sec (aft)
Optional -> SHORT - LONG - SHORT

Vessel AGROUND -> 3 strokes - 5 rapid ringing - 3 strokes - 5 sec gong

Pilot vessel MAY sound 4 SHORT

Rule 36 - Signals to Attract Attention

Attract attention of another vessel MAY make light or sound signal that CANNOT BE MISTAKEN FOR ANOTHER SIGNAL. Beam searchlight NOT TO embarass any vessel

Strobe lights are to be avoided

Rule 37 Distress Signals

See Spindrift