Page 141 - Collision Avoidance Rules Guide

to the available depth of water. It is, therefore, doubtful whether a
vessel constrained by her draught would be justified in proceeding at
full speed when other vessels are in the vicinity.
The following Guidance on the application of Rule 18(d) has been
approved by IMO:
‘Clarification of the relation between Rule Z8(d) and the Rules of
Part B, Sections ZZ and ZZZ. A vessel constrained by her draught shall,
when risk of collision with another vessel in a crossing or head-on
situation exists, apply the relevant Steering and Sailing Rules as a
power-driven vessel. She should, when showing the signals pre-
scribed by Rule 28, have her engines ready for immediate manauvre
and proceed at safe speed as required by Rule 6.’

Local rules
Rule l(b) permits special rules to be made for specific areas, by an
appropriate authority, which take precedence over the International
Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Mariners should be
aware that some authorities have made special rules which give addi-
tional privilege to a vessel constrained by her draught so that she does
not become a give-way vessel and that such rules may be applicable
in coastal waters which are within the territorial limits of the nation
concerned. The Sailing Directions and other publications should be
consulted for details of such special rules (see also page 14).

Situations involving two hampered vessels
In the case of two hampered vessels approaching one another in
meeting or crossing situations so as to involve risk of collision in
which the degree of responsibility is not established, each vessel
should take whatever action she can to avoid collision. This would
apply in the case of a vessel restricted in her ability to manoxvre
meeting a vessel which is not under command, or when a hampered
vessel approaches another vessel of the same category. Alterations of
course should preferably be to starboard, in accordance with the
principles of Rules 14, 15 and 17(c).
Seaplanes, hovercrafi and hydrofoils
Rule 18(e) refers to seaplanes which must, in general, keep well clear
of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation, but must comply
with the Rules when risk of collision exists. For the purpose of the

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