Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

a) Any action 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.

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

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 searoom 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.

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

3
www.nepia.com

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Keywords
Positive
In ample time
Observance of good seamanship
Alteration of course and/or speed
large enough
readily apparent
avoid small alterations of course and/or speed
Alteration of course alone
Close-quarters situation
Passing at a safe distance
Action shall be carefully checked
Slacken speed, take all way off (stop)
Do not impede
Allow sufficient sea-room
Not relieved from obligation
Comply with the Rules

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

When shall an action contribute to the avoidance
of a collision
(Rule 8, (a))
When it :
is positive
avoids risk of collision
avoids a close-quarters situation
is taken in accordance with the Rules
is made in ample time
it is made with the observance of good seamanship

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

When is an action considered positive

(Rule 8, (a))

When the action of the give-way vessel does not create

any doubt on the stand-on vessel
When the give-way vessel does not create a conflicting
situation with the stand-on vessel
When the give-way vessel communicates her intentions
clearly and appropriately by means of sound signals and/or
VHF
6

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

In Ample Time

(Rule 8, (a))

So that the stand-on vessel should have no

doubt as to the intentions of the give-way
vessel
Small vessels like yachts must not wait until the last minute
to manoeuvre in order to admire the passing ship
Larger ships may not think that they always have the right of
way. Deep draught vessels may, however, make an
7
exception

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

General considerations
A difference should be made when vessels are in sight of
one another (Part B, Section II and when vessels are in
restricted visibility (Part B, Section III)
The general principle is : one vessel keeps out of the way
(the give-way vessel), the other shall keep her course and
speed( the stand-on vessel) (Rule 17, (a))
There are two exceptions : Head-on situations, when in
sight of one another (Rule 14) and vessels in restricted
visibility (Rule 19)
8

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

According to Rule 16, when vessels are in visual sight of one
another, the vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of
another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and
substantial action to keep well clear.
In that case:
The stand-on vessel is required to keep course and speed
and,
The stand-on vessel will not be justified in taking action
herself in accordance with Rule 17 (a) (ii)
9

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

In ample time

(Rule 8, (a))

Enough time to assess the situation clearly

Enough time for the OOW not to have to make a decision
hastily
Enough time so that the OOW can gather enough
information
Enough time, not to create any confusion or hesitation on
the stand-on vessel
10

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

In ample time

(Rule 8, (a))

Young OOW, with little experience, have a tendency to wait

too long before they engage in an avoiding action. This
creates uncertainty on the other vessel and often causes
dreadful decisions on both vessels leading to a collision
Never forget that not only a collision should be avoided but
also the risk of collision
11

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Keep in mind that :

See also Rule 7, (a)

The colregs are not applicable at long range, when the

distance between the two ships is so big that the risk of
collision does not yet exist:
Both vessels are then free to take any action
What is long range ?
This is not quantified in the colregs
It varies for each vessel according to her manoeuvring
characteristics and dimensions

12

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Good seamanship
Seamanship is the art of operating a ship or boat. It involves a knowledge of
a variety of topics and development of specialized skills including:
navigation and international maritime law
weather, meteorology and forecasting;
watch standing;
ship-handling and small boat handling;
operation of deck equipment, anchors and cables; rope work and line
handling;
communications;
sailing;
engines; execution of evolutions such as towing;
cargo handling equipment, dangerous cargoes and cargo storage;
dealing with emergencies; survival at sea and search and rescue; fire
fighting.
The degree of knowledge needed within these areas is dependent upon the
nature of the work and the type of vessel employed by a mariner
However, the practice of good seamanship should be the goal of all.
wilkipedia

13

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Observance of good seamanship

(Rule 8, (a))

Every action shall be taken with due regard to the observance

of the rules of good seamanship, and that means:
The action shall be effective
Made in ample time
Made clearly and positively so as to be sufficiently apparent to the other
vessel
Due regard shall be paid at all times to the existing dangers of navigation
The prescribed signals shall be given on the whistle (see Rule 34)
The new course shall be followed without yawning until all risk of collision
is over
In special circumstances, every action shall be taken with due regard to
ones own knowledge and experience

Failing to do so will inevitably result in a disaster

14

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

In

order to assess risk of collision clearly,

the following facts about the stand-on
vessel should be known :
l
l
l
l
l
l
l

Her course
Her speed
Her bearing
Her distance
Her CPA
Her TCPA
Her bow pass

Most of these elements have been largely discussed in the previous

Rules. They show once more that the use of radar is necessary by day
as well as at night (and in restricted visibility).
15

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Alteration of course and/or speed

(Rule 8, (b))

To avoid a collision, the following main actions

may be taken :
An alteration of course
An alteration of speed
An alteration of course and speed

Both must be large enough to be readily apparent

16

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Alteration of course and/or speed

(Rule 8, (b))

By day, at night and in restricted visibility:

Indirectly: by means of radar plotting

Almost instantaneously: with the ARPA

By day and clear visibility:

By visual bearings
By the silhouette of the vessel (not with air cushion vessels)

At night and clear visibility:

By visual bearings
By the respective positions of the navigation lights

17

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Alteration of course and/or speed

Rule 8, (b))

Made in ample time

Be substantial
In other words:
In time to be able to properly assess the situation and to
have sufficient time to think
Large enough to be readily apparent

Usually, alterations of speed are observed less rapidly

than alterations of course

18

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Alteration of course and/or speed

Rule 8, (b))

Alteration of speed alone

Advantages
May be required by Rule 6: Save Speed
When there is too little room to alter your course
When you need more time to assess the situation

Disadvantages
Unless drastic, not easily apparent from another vessel (especially
on the radar
They take more time to materialize even when stopping and
applying reverse propulsion
In the open sea, the engines are not on stand-by

19

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Alteration of course and/or speed

Rule 8, (b))

if the circumstances of the case admit,

In some situations, large alterations of course and/or speed
cannot be made due to:

The lack of sea room

The presence of hazards to the navigation,
Work being carried out (dredging, working on a navigation mark, )
The condition of the vessel (bad stability, small under water
clearance,
Bank suction,
Etc.

Whenever possible, avoid a succession of small alterations

of course and/or speed
20

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Alteration of course alone

Rule 8, (c))

This is usually the most effective action to avoid a

close-quarters situation, provided:
There is sufficient sea-room
It is made in good time,
It is substantial,
It does not result in another close-quarters situation.

21

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Alteration of course alone

Rule 8, (c))

Amplitude of course alteration

Echo trail should turn by at least 20
Alteration of course and speed: at least 30
Alteration of course alone: at least 60
Preferably and recommended: 90

22

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Alteration of course alone

Rule 8, (c))

Close-quarters situation
on the radar screen
Ships in the striped area
may be considered as being
potentially dangerous
In open sea:
2 3 miles in restricted visibility
depending on size and speed
abt. 1 mile when in sight of one
another

In narrow channels:
Vessels will inevitably pass closer to
one another

23

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Alteration of course alone

Rule 8, (c))

Small course alterations are not readily apparent

Privileged vessel
did not alter course

Consecutive alterations of 10 or
less may seem visible on your
vessel (the give-way vessel) but not
on the other vessel (the privileged
vessel)
They will also create a doubt on the
privileged vessel whether the giveway vessel is really taking sufficient
avoiding action
The privileged vessel will also
hesitate whether to apply Rule 17 (a)
(ii) or (b)

Give-way vessel altered

course 10 to Sb

The give-way vessel shows very little

visual action to create a clear
24
avoiding action

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Alteration of course alone

Rule 8, (c))

Large course alterations (if possible), are the best

avoiding action
Privileged vessel
did not alter course

Course alterations of 20 or more (if

possible) are clearly visible on both
vessels, by day, at night and on the
radar
This is a clear situation and the
privileged vessel now clearly sees
that the give-way vessel has taken
sufficient avoiding action

Give-way vessel altered

course 40 to Sb

It will not have to recourse on Rule

17 (a) (ii) or (b)

25

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Alteration of course alone

Rule 8, (c))

Course alterations at night

Privileged vessel
did not alter course

Give-way vessel altered

course 40 to Sb

Privileged vessel
did not alter course

Give-way vessel altered

course 45 to Sb

At night, the give-way vessel should alter course so that on the privileged vessel,
first, both sidelights become visible and finally the red sidelight only
Remark: Shown situations are only examples. Every situation must be considered
26
in accordance with the actual circumstances. HIC AT NUNC (Here and Now)

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

2

3
4

A classic maneuver is where the giveway vessel alters course to pass

astern of the privileged vessel
4

Both vessels will come on opposite

bows.
At night a different sidelight should be
visible
Afterwards, the give-way vessel
gradually turns back until the original
course is resumed

27

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

General considerations

Rule 8 (b) & (c)

Small alterations of course and/speed are less visible (especially on the radar)
and must be avoided
Small alterations of course and/or speed may even increase the risk of collision
and end in a close-quarters situation
A change of course is usually more effective:
For a vessel sighted ahead or fine on the bow
For a vessel approaching on Sb at a reasonable distance
To avoid an overtaking vessel which fails to keep out of the way
Small alterations of course may be confused with the yawning of the vessel
A change of speed is usually more effective:
If it is a radical alteration
For a vessel approaching from abeam or near the beam (thus far from the
bow)
A change of course and speed are usually necessary:
For vessels close to one another

28

EVERY SITUATION IS DIFFERENT, SO, STRICT RULES CANNOT BE GIVEN

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Passing at a safe distance

Rule 8 (d)

The term Safe Distance depends on the circumstances

and conditions such as:
High seas
Channels
Traffic density
Visibility
Navigational hazards
Characteristics and maneuverability of own vessel
The avoiding action one is taking
Etc.
29

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Passing at a safe distance

Rule 8 (d)

In the open sea, with good visibility:

One mile or more can generally be considered as a safe
distance
At night one mile may not be sufficient

In restricted visibility when observing by radar:

The closest point of approach (CPA) should be between 2
and 3 miles
30

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Passing at a safe distance

Rule 8 (d)

In order to pass astern of a vessel, it

is not uncommon to alter course on
the stern of the other vessel. The
course is being kept on her stern,
gradually coming back to the
original course
THIS MANEUVER IS EXTREMELY
DANGEROUS BECAUSE:
Vessels will pass too close to each
other
Vessels will find themselves in a closequarters situation

31

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Passing at a safe distance

Rule 8 (d)

The effectiveness of the action shall be carefully checked

until the other vessel is finally past and clear

32

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Passing at a safe distance

Rule 8 (d)

In this situation, risk of collision is

real and effective.
Action is necessary to avoid a
collision

33

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Passing at a safe distance

Rule 8 (d)

Always carefully check the effectivenes of the action

Risk of collision
remains until the
other vessel is past
and clear
An appreciable
change of bearings
may not be sufficient
to establish that the
other vessel will pass
clear (especially with
large vessels)
34

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Slackening of speed

Rule 8 (e)

According to Rule 6, every vessel is required to proceed at a

safe speed at all times
According to Rule 19 (b) and (e) a vessel in restricted
visibility shall also proceed at a safe speed or take all her
way off
A reduction of speed may also be required:
To avoid a collision
To allow more time to asses the situation
If necessary, take all way off:
By stopping or
Reversing the means of propulsion

35

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Slackening of speed

Rule 8 (e)

To reduce the speed of a vessel:

Reduce the number of revolutions of propeller
Stop engines
Reverse the means of propulsion
Usually, engines are less powerful when running astern
than running ahead
With some engines it may be dangerous to apply a crash
stop (from full ahead to full astern)
36

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Slackening of speed

Rule 8 (e)

When a crash stop has to be applied on a vessel proceeding at full

speed, the engines can become immobilized by reversing too rapidly
It is better to reverse the engines to full astern once the vessels speed
has been reduced
The best procedure to reverse engines (and to avoid acute cavitation is):
1) To stop the engines
2) After a few minutes to give slow astern
3) Then give half astern
4) Finally give full astern

Seek advise with the Chief Engineer and consult the engines
manual
37

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Slackening of speed

Rule 8 (e)

Too often officers hesitate or take too long to carry out an engine action
On most vessels moving at full speed ahead, a certain time will elapse
before the engines may be reversed. Vessels with variable pitch propellers
are an exception
On a vessel of abt. 50.000 dwt, and a speed of abt. 15 knots:
When the engines are stopped, she will still cover abt. 26 miles
When the engines are reversed she will still cover abt. 10 miles
A tanker of abt. 200.000 dwt at 16 knots may need:
20 minutes to halve her speed after stopping the engines
One hour to stop the vessel with engines stopped
Abt. 25 minutes to stop the vessel with engines full astern

38

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Slackening of speed

Rule 8 (e)

DO NOT FORGET:
That the frictional resistance of the hull in the water, is directly
proportional to the square of the speed
This means that the last miles will take much longer than the first miles to
bring the vessel to rest
When carrying out a crash stop
The rudder looses its effect when the engines are stopped
Your ship will have swung abt. 90
You can also stop your ship with a Rudder Cycling Stop

39

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Slackening of speed

Rule 8 (e)

Keep the following characteristics of your vessel in mind:

The stopping time
The stopping distance
The turning circle
These characteristics must be at the disposal of the OOW and
the pilot and any other person engaged in the maneuver of the
ship
They must be exposed in a visible spot on the bridge
40

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Slackening of speed

Rule 8 (e)

IMO Recommandations on navigational watch

The OOW should bear in

mind that the engines are
at his disposal and he
should not hesitate to use
them in case of need .
However, timely notice of
intended variations of
engine speed should be
given where possible
41

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Slackening of speed

Rule 8 (e)

Advantages of reducing speed

More time to assess the situation
Better chances of manoeuvring
In case of collision, less damage

42

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Slackening of speed

Rule 8 (e)

It is imperative to reduce speed

In restricted areas where a helm action is
impossible
When other vessels or hazards prevent a helm
action
When visibility is restricted
In some crossing situations

43

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Do not impede the passage

Rule 8 (f) (i)

Not to impede the passage means that a vessel shall not hamper, hinder
or obstruct the passage of another vessel
Some vessels like vessels proceeding in a narrow channel, sailing vessels,
fishing vessels, deep draught vessels, etc. often cannot maneuver at liberty
or take avoiding action and hence, they should not be impeded in their
activities or in their conditional status

Not to impede may not be confused with keep out of the

way because not to impede is required long before a risk of
collision begins to exist
Not to impede can also be described as stay away, and dont bother the
other vessel. In fact, allow her sufficient sea-room

44

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Do not impede the passage

Rule 8 (f) (i)

Difference between keep out of the way and not to

impede
Keep out of the way only applies when risk of collision
exists and one of the two vessels has to take decisive
action to avoid it
Not to impede. Risk of collision does not yet exist and the
concerned vessel is, in effect, being asked to take early
action to avoid such a risk developing
For more details regarding the terms: Close-quarters situation,
Risk of Collision, Not to Impede and Keep Out of the Way,
see Complexity of some Terms after the Rule 19 slides
45

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Do not impede the passage

Rule 8 (f) (i)

Where does the expression not to impede appear

Rule 8f: Action to avoid collision
Rule 9b: Narrow channels sailing vessels less than 20m
Rule 9c: Narrow channels fishing vessels
Rule 9d: Narrow channels crossing vessels
Rule 10i: Traffic Separation fishing vessels
Rule 10j: Traffic Separation sailing vessels less than 20m
Rule 18d: Responsibilities between vessels constrained
by draught
In fact, not to impede should also apply to: vessels not under command,
vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver (dredgers, buoying ships, cable
layers, etc),
46

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Do not impede the passage

Rule 8 (f) (i)

Rule 8 (f) applies in all conditions of visibility

Thus :

By day
At night
In restricted visibility
Whether vessels are in sight or not
Whether a vessel is only detected on radar
Etc.

47

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Do not impede the passage

Rule 8 (f) (ii)

The obligation not to impede the passage or safe passage of another

vessel, remains even if a risk of collision already exists
In other words:
If risk of collision has developed between a not to impede vessel and
another vessel, the not to impede vessel will not automatically become a
stand-on vessel and the other vessel a give-way vessel
The not to impede vessel will not be relieved of her obligation to keep out
of the way. Any stand-on action required by any other Rule will be
overridden

The not to impede vessel will not be relieved of her obligation to

also take the necessary action to allow sufficient room for the
passage or safe passage of the other vessel

48

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Do not impede the passage

Rule 8 (f) (iii)

When a not to impede vessel and a not to be impeded

vessel, have approached one another so as to involve risk of
collision, the not to be impeded vessel must obey the Rules
of Part B of the Steering and Sailing Rules
Both vessels are now expected to take action and to make
an alteration
This was already underlined in the last part of Rule 8 (f) (ii)
which clearly states that the not to impede vessel (e.g. a
crossing vessel) shall, when taking action have full regard to
the action which may be required by the Rules of this Part
(of the not to be impeded vessel)
49

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Summary
Do
l
l
l

not impede the passage

Take early action to allow sufficient sea-room

Obligation remains if risk of collision exists
Take into account the action the other vessel
may take
If risk of collision exist, the Rules of Part B
must be applied
50

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

This
l
l
l
l
l
l

implies that action

Shall be effective
Made early
Be apparent to the other vessel
With regard to existing dangers to navigation
That the necessary signals shall be given
The new course shall be followed without
yawing
51

Rule 8 - Action to avoid collision

Always:

Avoid a collision, but also

The risk of collision

52