Action required not to impede the safe passage of another vessel
- Rule(s) to be applied: Rule 8 (Action to avoid collision )
-
Applying the Rule(s) and comments:
In accordance with Rule 8
(f)(i) (Action to avoid collision
), a vessel which, by any of these Rules, is required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another vessel shall, when required by the circumstances of the case, take early action to allow sufficient sea-room for the safe passage of the other vessel.
Comments:
Therefore, vessels which have been required to keep out of the way of other vessels may not hinder the passage of another vessel.
In accordance with Rule 8 (f)(ii) (Action to avoid collision ), a vessel required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another vessel is not relieved of this obligation if approaching the other vessel so as to involve risk of collision and shall, when taking action, have full regard to the action which may be required by the Rules of this Part.
Comments:
These vessels should therefore take early action to keep clear, but if they fail then they are obliged to follow these Rules to avoid a close quarter situation.
In accordance with Rule 8 (f)(iii) (Action to avoid collision ), a vessel the passage of which is not to be impeded remains fully obliged to comply with The Rules of this Part when the two vessels are approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision.
Comments:
Therefore, the stand-on vessel still has to follow these Rules irrespective of whether the other vessel takes action or not. Risk of collision at any costs has to be avoided.
