This article is the first in a series covering the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS), colloquially known as the COLREGS.
From MIN 653:
Thorough knowledge of the content, application and intent of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended.
Lights, shapes and sound signals conform with the requirements contained in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended, and are correctly recognised.
You will be asked questions on the COLREGS in your exam; it will likely make up a significant part of the exam and it’s a part where any wrong answer (or excessive hesitation) will result in a fail.
Relevant documents and M-notices: MIN 653 (syllabus), MGN 369 (guidance), MSN 1781 (copy of the regulations, as incorporated into UK law).
Wording
Before we look at the rules themselves, let’s talk about how to answer questions. The examiner doesn’t want to have to prompt you for information. They will present you with a scenario; perhaps by describing it, perhaps by showing you lights or shapes on a board. If they tell you that there is a vessel constrained by her draught crossing from your starboard side, you don’t need to repeat that back to them; they’ll have told you how they want you to answer this question. However, if they present you with a board showing lights or shapes it is vital to demonstrate your knowledge by vocalising it.
An example
You are shown a set of lights. In this case, give every single detail possible to the examiner (write down your answer before scrolling down).
‘A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, possibly over 50m in length, under way and making way, seen on her starboard side. No additional information’.
With this answer you’ve given the lecturer every bit of possible information. If you had said:
‘A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, possibly over 50m in length, seen on her starboard side’
Your examiner would immediately have noticed the missing detail. They will then ask questions to find out if there is a gap in your knowledge. Don’t give them any cause to suspect that you’re not solid in your knowledge on this subject. In some areas (LSA, FFA, legislation) it’s OK to say ‘I don’t know but I would check xyz for guidance’; this is not the case with the COLREGS.
Why finish with ‘no additional information’?
This tells the examiner that you are finished answering this part of the question.
Examples of details
Power driven vessel or vessel?
When you are presented with the lights or shapes for the following, describe them as:
A Power Driven Vessel
Power Driven Vessel engaged in Towing
Power Driven Vessel Constrained by her Draught
Everything else, describe as a ‘vessel’. E.g. a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, a vessel aground, a vessel engaged in fishing, a sailing vessel etc.
Length unknown
The mast head lights of a vessel can let us know its length; either ‘under fifty meters in length’ or ‘possibly over 50m in length’. Some vessels however are ‘length unknown’:
Vessels engaged in fishing
Vessels engaged on pilotage duty
Sailing vessels
Vessels Not Under Command
In giving your answer, be sure and state ‘length unknown’.
Under way and making way
Most vessels are ‘under way, possibly making way’ when showing sidelights and stern light. But which vessels are under way and making way when showing their sidelights and stern light? I found this difficult to remember until I was taught a simple mnemonic trick:
NUC
RAM
Fishing
Trawling
The first letter of each of these types, plus ‘making way’ gives the mnemonic No Rest For Those Moving West; if you can see their sidelights or stern light, the above vessels are under way and Making Way.
Fishing, Trawling and RAM (engaged in underwater operations) may be either under way not making way or at anchor if not showing side and stern lights.
Under way, possibly making way
All vessels other than the above four, if showing their sidelights, are under way, possibly making way.