Page 45 - Collision Avoidance Rules Guide

Every vessel
The requirement to proceed at a safe speed at all times applies to
every vessel. This point may have special significance with respect to
vessels constrained by their draught, and to some vessels restricted in
their ability to manceuvre which may not be justified in maintaining
a high speed when other vessels are in the vicinity because of their
limited maneuvrability.

Safe speed
The term ‘safe speed’ has not been used in previous regulations. It
replaces the term ‘moderate speed’ which was only related to the
conditions of restricted visibility. A new term was necessary which
would be applicable at all times and which would not preclude the
setting of a high speed in appropriate circumstances.
The word ‘safe’ is intended to be used in a relative sense. Every
vessel is required to proceed at a speed which could reasonably be
considered safe in the particular circumstances. If a ship is involved
in a collision it does not necessarily follow that she was initially pro-
ceeding at an unsafe speed. In clear visibility collisions can generally
be attributed to bad look-out, or to wrongful action subsequent to
detection, rather than to a high initial speed.

At all times
In order to maintain a safe speed at all times a continuous appraisal of
changes in circumstances and conditions should be made and
any necessary alterations of speed must be instantly put into effect. It
is important that watchkeeping officers should not be obliged to
communicate with the master before using the telegraph as the
resulting delay could have serious consequences. The IMO Recom-
mendation relating to watchkeeping states that ‘the officer of the
watch should bear in mind that the engines are at his disposal and he
should not hesitate to use them in case of need. However, timely
notice of intended variations of engine speed should be given when
possible’.
A relatively high speed might be accepted as being initially safe
for a vessel using radar in restricted visibility in open waters
provided prompt action is taken to bring the speed down when radar
information shows this to be necessary,
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