Collision Regulations and Local Collision Rules
The Collision Regulations carry heavy marks because Victoria Harbour is one of the busiest waterways in the world. Part A expects you to name the applicable rule, describe the lights and shapes, and state the action you would take - in that order of certainty.
Structure of the Regulations
- Part A (Rules 1–3): application and responsibility. Rule 2 makes departure from the rules permissible only when necessary, and the ordinary practice of seamen remains a duty.
- Part B (Rules 4–19): lookout, safe speed, risk of collision, action to avoid, narrow channels, traffic separation schemes, and the steering rules.
- Part C: lights and shapes. Part D: sound and light signals.
- Hong Kong applies the International Regulations through the Shipping and Port Control Ordinance (Cap 313). Marine Department notices and Vessel Traffic Centre directions add local requirements - harbour speed limits, keep-to-starboard instructions, reporting - but never displace the Regulations.
Steering rules to know cold
- Rule 13: the overtaking vessel keeps clear, whatever her type.
- Rule 14: head-on, both alter to starboard.
- Rule 15: crossing, the vessel with the other on her starboard side gives way.
- Rule 16: the give-way vessel acts early and substantially.
- Rule 17: the stand-on vessel holds course and speed but may act when collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone.
- Rules 9 and 10 govern narrow channels and traffic separation schemes.
- Rule 19 replaces the steering rules in restricted visibility.
Worked example
You are a ferry steering 090°T at 12 knots. A power-driven vessel bears 150°T at one nautical mile, and the bearing is steady.
Reasoning: steady bearing with decreasing range means risk of collision (Rule 7). She is on your starboard side, so under Rule 15 you are the give-way vessel. Under Rule 8 you make a large, early alteration - normally a turn to starboard to pass astern of her - and reduce speed if that helps. Turning to port across her bow is the classic error.
Traps
- Using 'right of way' language; the Regulations give no such right.
- The stand-on vessel altering early and confusing the other bridge.
- Applying the crossing rule in fog instead of Rule 19.
- Alterations so small the other master cannot see them.