Give the Rule 18 pecking order — who keeps out of whose way?

Rule 18 — 'pecking order' (each keeps out of the way of those above): a power-driven vessel keeps clear of NUC, RAM, fishing, and sailing; a sailing vessel keeps clear of NUC, RAM, and fishing; a fishing vessel keeps clear of NUC and RAM. A vessel constrained by her draught (Rule 18(d)) — every vessel other than NUC/RAM should, if circumstances admit, avoid impeding her safe passage. A seaplane/WIG keeps well clear of all and avoids impeding. Memory aid: 'New Reels Feel So Practical' — NUC, RAM, Fishing, Sailing, Power. Trap: the order does NOT override Rule 13 overtaking or Rules 9/10 in a channel/TSS.

Does a CBD have right of way over a fishing vessel?

Not in the pecking order sense. A CBD is a power-driven vessel; Rule 18(d) only asks other vessels to avoid impeding her safe passage 'if the circumstances of the case admit' — it does not lift her above fishing/sailing/RAM/NUC. Trap: CBD is a request not to impede, not a promotion above the RAM/fishing tiers.

A sailing vessel is overtaking a power-driven vessel. Who keeps clear — and doesn't Rule 18 say power gives way to sail?

The sailing vessel keeps clear. Rule 13 (overtaking) overrides Rule 18. The 'power keeps clear of sail' order applies only when they meet or cross, not when the sailing vessel is the one coming up from astern. Trap: this is a favourite — candidates reflexively make the power vessel give way.

A dredger (RAM) is at anchor. Does she show anchor lights?

No — she shows her RAM lights (red-white-red) plus the two all-round red / two all-round green obstruction lights of Rule 27(d), not the ordinary anchor lights of Rule 30. The obstruction lights tell you which side is foul and which side to pass. Watch: RAM signals replace the anchor signals for a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre while working.

Part B · Steering and sailing rules Section II · Conduct of vessels in sight of one another

COLREGS Rule 18 — Responsibilities between Vessels

Except where Rules 9, 10 and 13 otherwise require:

(a) A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:

(i) a vessel not under command;

(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre;

(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing;

(iv) a sailing vessel.

(b) A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:

(i) a vessel not under command;

(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre;

(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing.

(i) a vessel not under command;

(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.

(d)

(i) Any vessel other than a vessel not under command or a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draught, exhibiting the signals in Rule 28.

(ii) A vessel constrained by her draught shall navigate with particular caution having full regard to her special condition.

(e) A seaplane on the water shall, in general, keep well clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation. In circumstances, however, where risk of collision exists, she shall comply with the Rules of this Part.

(f)

(i) A WIG craft shall, when taking off, landing and in flight near the surface, keep well clear of all other vessels and avoid impeding their navigation;

(ii) a WIG craft operating on the water surface shall comply with the Rules of this Part as a power-driven vessel.

COLREGS Rule 18 — Responsibilities between Vessels

All COLREGS Rules and Annexes

Part A · General

Part B · Steering and sailing rules

Part C · Lights and shapes

Part D · Sound and light signals

Part E · Exemptions

Part F · Verification of compliance

Annex I · Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes

Annex II · Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximity

Annex III · Technical details of sound signal appliances

Annex IV

Also free for seafarers

Share