General IRPCS Questions Flashcards
How are the Collision Regulations grouped, and when were they adopted?
Adopted in 1972, in force in 1977 - 6 Parts, 41 rules, and 4 Annexes: IMO breaks the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS/IRPCS) down as follows:
Part A General: Rules 1 to 3
Part B Steering and Sailing: Rules 4 to 19
- Section i - Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility (Rules 4 - 10)
- Section ii - Conduct of vessels in sight of one another (Rules 11-18)
- Section iii - Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility (Rule 19)
Part C Lights and Shapes: Rules (20 to 31)
Part D Sound and Light Signals (Rules 32 to 37)
Part E Exemptions (Rule 38)
Part F Verification of compliance with the provisions of the Convention
Rule 39 Provides Definitions
Rule 40 Says that Contracting Parties shall use the provisions of the Code for Implementation in the execution of their obligations and responsibilities contained in the present Convention.
Rule 41 on Verification of compliance says that every Contracting Party is subject to periodic audits by IMO.
The COLREGS include Four Annexes:
I: Positioning & technical detail of lights & shapes
II: Additional signals for Fishing Vessels Fishing in Close Proximity
III: Technical Details of Sound Signal Appliances
IV: Distress Signals , indicating distress and need of assistance (15)
To whom do the rules of the Regulations apply? Quote which rule too.
Rule 1: To all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels.
However there are other rules in addition to these rules, such as special rules, also known as local bylaws.
Where can you expect special rules and where can you find information on them?
In specific areas made by an appropriate authority - information to be found in pilot books, Sailing Directions
For which ships can a government require additional station and/or signal lights?
Vessels that cannot comply with the rules regarding the positioning of navigation lights, e.g.;
Certain support vessels
Heavy cargo ships
Aircraft carriers
Submarines
Where do you find most important additional lights, day marks and signals?
Annex 1 & 2 other than Part C of Colregs
When is it possible to get dispensation for the rules concerning the use of lights, day marks, whistle signals, etc.?
When the Government concerned shall have determined that a vessel of special construction or purpose cannot comply fully with the provisions of any of the Rules with respect to Part C, D, and E of the Colregs.
Which authority can adopt a traffic separation scheme?
The “Organisation” - IMO, for the purpose of the Rules in Colregs.
Parts of Rule 2?
“Responsibility”:
A) Nothing shall exonerate any vessel, the owner, or master of crew thereof, from consequence of any neglect to comply with the Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practise of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.
B) In complying with these 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.
ie:
A) Nothing exonerates anyone from consequences of neglect to comply with rules, or neglecting precautions that may be required by ordinary practise, or by special circumstances.
B) In the interest of safety in an exceptional situation, Rule 2(b) gives us freedom to avoid a collision and minimise damage by departing from the rules if needed. Due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including limitations of vessels, which may require departure of rules.. etc
Which two dangers, which justify the application of rule 2 (b), are mentioned in Rule 2 (b)?
Dangers of navigation and collision, & any special circumstances that include the limitations of the vessels involved.
Do only the dangers mentioned in rule 2 (b) restrict the application of this Rule?
No, seafarers are also expected to take into account recommendations given in Notices to Mariners and other official publications, e.g. Action taken in accordance with the advice to avoid a squadron or convoy on the port bow would not be a departure from the Rules if executed at a long range before risk of collision begins to apply.
Rule 3: Define “ship”
Also “vessel”: Every description of water craft, including non-displacement craft, WIG craft, and seaplanes used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.
E.g. hydrofoils, hovercraft, WIG vessels
Rule 3: Define “Power-driven vessel”
Any vessel propelled by machinery.
Three categories are not treated as power-driven even if they are propelled by machinery:
1) Vessels NUC when not making way through water
2) Vessels RAM when not making way through water
3) Vessels engaged in fishery that are RAM, when not making way through water
Rule 3: Define “Sailing vessel”
Any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used.
Rule 3: Define “Vessel engaged in fishing”
Any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls or other fishing apparatus which restrict manoeuvrability, but does not include a vessel with trolling lines or other fishing apparatus which do not restrict manoeuvrability.
Rule 3: Define “Seaplane”
Any aircraft designed to manoeuvre on the water.
Rule 3: Define “Vessel not under command”, also name lights and sound signals.
Rule 3: Define “Underway”
A vessel which is not at anchor (or if anchor drags, is not holding), not made fast to the shore, and is not aground.
Rule 3: Define “Length and breadth overall”
Length overall and greatest breadth.
Rule 3: When shall vessels be deemed to be in sight of one another?
When one can be observed visually from the other.
Rule 3: Define “Restricted visibility”
Any condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sand storms, or any other similar causes.
Rule 3: Define “Wing-in-ground (WIG) craft”.
A multimodal craft which, in its main operational mode, flies in close proximity to the surface by using surface-effect action.
Rule 4
Section 1 of Colregs (Rules 4 to 10)
“Application”: Rules in this section apply in any condition of visibility.
Thus: in clear visibility or restricted visibility
Rule 5
Look-out
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
MGN 315 (M) Keeping a safe navigational watch on merchant vessels
Can full speed be a safe speed
Yes, even in restricted visibility, especially on the high seas, in most traffic separation schemes and on fairways that are considered fundamentally safe. Providing a vessel is using radar and AIS in the right way it can be a safe speed under most conditions.
