Page 144 - Collision Avoidance Rules Guide

COMMENT:
Rule 19 is based on Rule 16 of the 1960 Regulations but differs from
it substantially in several respects.

In or near an area of restricted visibility
The term ‘restricted visibility’ is defined in Rule 3(1), (see page IO).
Rule 19 applies not only when a vessel is navigating in an area of
restricted visibility but also when she is near such an area. A vessel
which is approaching an area of restricted visibility, or which has
such an area on one side, must comply with Rule 19 and must also
give the sound signals prescribed in Rule 35.

Gladiator-St Paul
Over and over again we have had cases in this Court where a vessel not her-
self in a fog has been blamed because, seeing a fog ahead, she has not taken
precautions, so that her speed shall be off when she enters the fog. There is
a difference in snow, but the same kind of considerations apply. If there is a
thick snowstorm ahead, so that nothing can be seen in it, good seamanship
requires there should be a moderate rate of speed, so as to approach that
place under proper control. (Sir Gore11 Barnes, 1909)

Not in sight of one another
Rule 19 in Section I11 applies to vessels not in sight of one another
in restricted visibility whereas the Rules of Section I1 apply to ves-
sels in sight of one another whether or not the visibility is restricted.
As soon as vessels navigating in or near an area of restricted visibil-
ity come in sight of one another they must comply with the Rules of
Section 11. Vessels not in sight of one another should not give the
manceuvring and warning signals prescribed in Rule 34.

Safe speed
The 1960 Regulations required every vessel to go at a moderate speed
in restricted visibility. The term ‘safe speed’ has now been substituted
as Rule 6 applies to every vessel at all times, but previous Court in-
terpretations of the term ‘moderate speed’ are still relevant when
considering what is meant by a safe speed in restricted visibility (see
pages 26-9).
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