Question 1

Rule 2(b) states that in construing and complying with the Rules, due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision. What does this mean in practice?

Accepted Answer

Departure from the Rules may be necessary to avoid immediate danger, with good seamanship taking precedence over strict compliance in extremis.. Rule 2(b): in complying with the Rules, due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger. This is the 'in extremis' clause, if strict compliance with a Rule would cause collision, a vessel may depart from it. However, this is a last resort, not a general excuse for non-compliance.

Question 2

Rule 2(a) places responsibility on whom for consequences of neglecting the Rules?

Accepted Answer

The vessel, owner, master and crew remain responsible for consequences of neglecting the Rules or precautions required by seamanship and special circumstances.. Rule 2(a): nothing in the Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case. This is the responsibility clause, compliance with the Rules does not excuse poor seamanship, and good seamanship may require departing from the Rules.

Question 3

A stand-on vessel maintains course despite clear risk of collision. What applies?

Accepted Answer

Rule 2 requires action to avoid immediate danger. Rule 2 overrides strict rules | Must act to avoid danger.

Rule 2, questions and explanations

Rule 2(b) states that in construing and complying with the Rules, due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision. What does this mean in practice?

Rule 2(a) places responsibility on whom for consequences of neglecting the Rules?

A stand-on vessel maintains course despite clear risk of collision. What applies?

Practise this properly

Rule 2, questions and explanations

Questions

Rule 2(b) states that in construing and complying with the Rules, due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision. What does this mean in practice?

Rule 2(a) places responsibility on whom for consequences of neglecting the Rules?

A stand-on vessel maintains course despite clear risk of collision. What applies?

Practise this properly