Page 23 - Collision Avoidance Rules Guide

her Government shall have determined to be the closest
possible compliance with these Rules in respect of that vessel.

COMMENT:
(a) This paragraph corresponds to Rule l(a) of the 1960 Regulations
but makes no specific reference to seaplanes. A seaplane is now
included in the definition of a vessel given in Rule 3(a) and should
therefore be considered as a power-driven vessel for the purpose of
these Rules, except as specifically provided for in Rule 18(e) and
Rule 3 1.

(b) The text of this paragraph is substantially the same as Rule 30 of
the 1960 Regulations. Roadsteads are now included among the areas
for which an appropriate authority may lay down special rules.
A roadstead is an open anchorage, generally protected by shoals,
which offers less protection than a harbour, This means that coastal
states or local authorities may make special rules for areas which lie
outside the usual limits of inland waters. Mariners should be aware
that special rules may be applicable in such areas and should consult
the Sailing Directions and other publications for details.
Special rules concerning lights, sound signals and other aspects of
collision avoidance are in force in many ports, rivers, canals and
inland waters throughout the world.
The final sentence of paragraph (b) has been added to stress the
need for conformity. It is hoped that there will be no proliferation of
special rules and that the authorities will make every effort to elimi-
nate any important differences with the 1972 Regulations which
would be likely to confuse mariners.

(c) The provisions of both Rules 13(a) and 28(d) of the 1960
Regulations are included in this paragraph. The Rule refers to addi-
tional lights and signals for fishing vessels, warships, etc., authorised
by the Government of any State and does not apply to the signals for
vessels fishing in close proximity listed in Annex I1 which have
received international agreement. Paragraph (c) was amended in
1981 to include shape(s).
(d) This section of the Rule gives mi0 (the Organization) the authority
to adopt traffic separation schemes to which the provisions of Rule 10
of the 1972 Regulations will apply. A traffic separation scheme is
defined by IMO as follows: ‘A routeing measure aimed at the separation

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