Collision Regulations and Bridge Procedures
What the exam tests
Collision Regulations and Bridge Procedures tests COLREGs application, risk assessment, sound signals and bridge teamwork. The key is to state the rule, the give-way/stand-on status and the action.
Core rules and concepts
- Rule 13: overtaking vessel keeps out of the way. Rule 14: head-on, both alter to starboard. Rule 15: crossing, vessel with the other on her starboard side gives way.
- Rule 7: risk of collision exists if the bearing is steady and range is decreasing; do not assume otherwise.
- Rule 8: give-way action must be positive, made in ample time and large enough to be readily apparent.
- Rule 16: stand-on vessel keeps course and speed; Rule 17 allows action when collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone.
- Rule 19: in restricted visibility, take avoiding action early; a close-quarters situation may require a substantial alteration.
- Sound signals: one short = altering to starboard; two short = to port; five short = doubt.
- TSS: cross at right angles, avoid the separation zone and do not anchor without reason.
Worked example
Own ship 000°T at 12 kn. A target bears 090°T at 6 nm, bearing steady, range falling. The target is on the starboard side, so own ship is give-way under Rule 15. Alter course to starboard and pass astern of the target. Do not alter to port across its bow. If the target is overtaking from astern, Rule 13 applies instead and the target keeps out of the way.
Traps
Judging risk by distance alone; using a small course alteration; turning to port for a crossing target on starboard; forgetting Rule 19 in fog; and assuming a stand-on vessel may never act.
Key points: Rules 13/14/15; steady bearing; positive action; Rule 19; sound signals; TSS crossing.