Page 115 - Collision Avoidance Rules Guide

When the sterns of the two vessels come together there will be a
repulsive force between them so that once again there will be a tend-
ency for the bows of vessel B to swing inwards, (fig. 3). The
Olympic-Hawke collision may have been caused by this effect.
Finally as the stern of vessel A passes the stern of vessel B the
turning moment on vessel B will again be reversed, (fig. 4).

Overtaking in narrow channels and traflc lanes
Rule 13 overrides other Rules in Sections I and I1 but does not give
small vessels, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing the right
to impede the passage of any vessel overtaking them when they are
within a narrow channel or following a traffic lane. Small power-
driven vessels and sailing vessels should keep clear of the deeper part
of a narrow channel on the approach of any vessel which may be
unable to navigate outside the channel. Vessels engaged in fishing
must not impede the passage of any vessel navigating within a
narrow channel or following a traffic lane.
A vessel following a traffic lane, or proceeding along a narrow
channel to which it is restricted, when overtaking any vessel, includ-
ing a small vessel, sailing vessel or vessel engaged in fishing should
reduce speed if necessary, or take whatever avoiding action she can
that is safe and practicable. When vessels are in sight of one another
and there is risk of collision the prime responsibility for keeping out
of the way rests with the overtaking vessel. When, in a narrow chan-
nel, overtaking can take place only if the vessel to be overtaken has
to take action to permit safe passing, Rule 9(e)(ii) effectively requires
the overtaking vessel to keep out of the way whether or not the other
vessel indicates agreement and takes appropriate action.
The procedure to be adopted when overtaking can only take place
by mutual agreement in a narrow channel is described in Rule 9(e)(i)
(see pages 66-7). The effects of interaction, bow cushion and bank suc-
tion must be taken into account when overtaking in a narrow channel.
In the case of the Ore Chief-Olympic Torch, 1974, Mr Justice
Brandon asked the Assessors what risks should a prudent pilot have
realised were involved in overtaking at a particular part of the River
Schelde. Their answer was as follows:
a. collision due to close proximity of the vessels;
b. interaction between the vessels causing one to sheer towards the
other or towards the bank and leading to collision or grounding;
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