Rule 8: Action to Avoid Collision | COLREGS In Depth

✔ Casual Animation is made by sailors with a love of animation.

✔ If you would like to use any of our animated content in your own projects, we would love to hear from you. Contact details in the “About” page.

----------ABOUT THE VIDEO----------

This video was originally uploaded to our other channel, Casual Navigation, back in 2018.

An "in depth" look at Rule 8 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, the COLREGS. The COLREGS are the rules of the road that vessels must obey at sea to avoid collisions.

Rule 8 covers "Action to Avoid Collision". In this video I go into detail about the rule and give examples of how to apply the rule at sea.

----------RULE 8----------

Rule 8: Action to avoid collision

(a) Any action taken to avoid collision shall be taken in accordance with the Rules of this Part and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be positive, made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship.

(b) Any alteration of course and/or speed to avoid collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or by radar; a succession of small alterations of course and/or speed should be avoided.

(c) If there is sufficient sea-room, alteration of course alone may be the most effective action to avoid a close-quarters situation provided that it is made in good time, is substantial and does not result in another close-quarters situation.

(d) Action taken to avoid collision with another vessel shall be such as to result in passing at a safe distance. The effectiveness of the action shall be carefully checked until the other vessel is finally past and clear.

(e) If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the situation, a vessel shall slacken her speed or take all way off by stopping or reversing her means of propulsion.

(f)
i. 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.

ii. 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.

iii. 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.

----------DISCLAIMER----------

Although we take all reasonable care to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided in the content on this channel, the content is provided “as is”. We do not make any warranties about the accuracy, content, completeness, legality or reliability of the information contained within this channel.

The information contained within our videos is not professional or legal advice and should not be considered as such. If you need professional or legal advice, you should consult a suitably qualified professional.

Any action you take as a result of watching this video is strictly at your own risk.

[iviewthetube]

It would be really handy to have radio recordings of vessels negotiating these maneuvers; it would be really nice to hear what is being said. Here in the Puget Sound, Seattle Traffic is on Marine Channel 14, and ship to ship is on Channel 15.

[wonkavisionk]

His examples are great! well worth your time even if you know your rules.

[benaedeur]

thank you for your videos, im preparing for an interview and exam, this should be a good review for me

[bluestar]

Good clarity of collision avoidance. I have to say my years on the sea I have always had situational awareness in possible collision scenarios. I learned at an early age to err on the side of safety at sea and to follow also the Law of Tonnage ( unwritten Rule to
allow the larger vessel adequate sea room for manovering especially in restricted channels and close quarter operations)
Captain E Kilmaine

[ServantOfOdin]

Please, what is the difference between passage and safe passage? Shouldn't passage always be safe to avoid collision?

[TheArena]

Hi Sir, can you explain to me why do you think it's better for the bulk to alter her course 90° to starboard instead of 90° to port?
In my opinion, it's better to alter to port and then to pass astern. Thanks, for the video and for your time =)

[alhmadi]

Could you explain the last two points to me I tried to understand them but still can’t get them and also what’s the difference between them too

[inaciofernandes]

Please advise.
Situation CBD on port side shown by surveyor..
What action..??

1. Early action alter course to port n pass her stern..
2. Reduce speed in ample time and allow her to pass ahead.
3. Alter course to starboard, parallel to CBD and reduce speed allow her to go ahead and then pass her stern..
Different surveyors different ideas.. Last time I answered 2. And he failed me saying I sud have altered to port for CBD n said i have no knowledge of rule 8f.

[NOMAN-mmbi]

what is the difference between passage and safe passage ?

[samw]

When there is a ROC in a crossing situation in tss or narrow channel do i have to state 17, 15, 8, 9, 18( if cbd) and 10. How do i structure my answer?

[funkymariners]

How the stand on vessel get to know that giveway vessel is CBD.?

[towolawisamuel]

Please I need short note on this rule please is there any one who can answer me I’ll be glad
Please

[farazarain]

Sir what is the meaning of impend in rule 8?

[ToxicallyMasculinelol]

why is it obvious that the blue vessel should yield to the green vessel? guess I missed that part, but unfortunately that's the part I was trying to understand