Details on Rules for Vessels in Sight of Each Other

Within the Collision Regulations (COLREGS), Part B Section II deals with rules that apply when two vessels are within sight of one another. These are Rule 11 through Rule 18. 

You should read the appropriate COLREGS for yourself. Watch the video below to see some aspects that are more relevant to operating SAR vessels on the lower BC coast. On the main page below this section you will see a short quiz to check your familiarity. 

   

Light and sound signals for situations when vessels are within sight of one another are found in Rule 34 (Manoeuvring and Warning Signals). Many of the sound signals in Rule 34 are to be used only when vessels are within sight of each other and are not to be used by a vessel that is in or near an area of restricted visibility and cannot see another vessel. 

Rule 18 (Responsibilities between Vessels) establishes a hierarchy for the classes of vessels; for example it puts power vessels and seaplanes below fishing vessels (and also below vessels that are not under command, restricted in ability to manoeuvre, and some others). 

But there are three exceptions where Rule 18 does not apply. Note that, before the sub-paragraphs that provide the hierarchy, Rule 18 says that the hierarchy applies: "Except where Rules 9, 10 and 13 otherwise require...". So the exceptions to the precedence hierarchy are:

Rule 9 - Narrow Channel 
Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes
Rule 13 - Overtaking 

Thus, for these three rules, no class of vessel, e.g., sailing vessels, can claim a class privilege associated with Rule 18. This means that the Rule 18 hierarchy does not apply in a narrow channel, in a traffic separation scheme, or when one vessel is overtaking another. In these three cases all classes of vessel have the privileges and obligations stated in the applicable rule and cannot claim some sort of over-riding class privilege.  

The slides and text for this video are available in PDF format.