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| Rule 19 of the International
Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea is often
dangerously misunderstood. Simpy put, there’s no
‘stand on’ vessel in fog. |
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| If we see a target on a collision course
in sector A, we turn to starboard (unless we are overtaking
it) and if in sector B we turn to port. In the grey areas
we need to be very careful. Make large alterations in
course and/or speed and don’t assume the other vessel
has seen you – or understands Rule 19. |
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For a fuller explanation,
see John Williams’ article in PBO 396, p102-104.
You can either order a copy online by clicking
here or alternatively by calling the PBO
Copy Service on 01202 440832. |
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(a) This Rule applies
to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating
in or near an area of restricted visibility.
(b) Every vessel shall proceed at a safe
speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions
of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel shall
have her engines ready for immediate manoeuvre.
(c) Every vessel shall have due
regard to the prevailing circumstances and conditions
of restricted visibility when complying with the Rules
of section I of this part.
(d)
A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of
another vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation
is developing and/or risk of collision exists. If so,
she shall take avoiding action in ample time, provided
that when such action consists of an alteration of course,
so far as possible the following shall
be avoided:
(i) an alteration of course to port for
a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel
being overtaken;
(ii) an alteration of course towards
a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.
(e) Except where it has been determined
that a risk of collision does not exist, every vessel
which hears, apparently forward of her beam, the fog signal
of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters
situation with another vessel forward of her beam, shall
reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept
on her course. She shall if necessary take all her way
off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until
danger of collision is over. |
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