Rule 8(f) — what does 'not to impede' actually require of the vessel that must not impede, and of the other?

Rule 8(f)(i): a vessel required not to impede the passage of another shall, when required, take early action to allow sufficient sea-room for the safe passage of the other. (ii) She is not relieved of that obligation if approaching so as to involve risk of collision and must have full regard to the action required by the Rules. (iii) The vessel whose passage is not to be impeded remains fully obliged to comply with the Rules if risk of collision develops. Trap: 'not to impede' is not a right of way — if risk of collision arises, both are bound by the steering rules.

As give-way vessel, may you keep your course and merely slow down?

You may use speed — Rule 8(e) allows slackening, stopping or reversing — but Rule 16 demands action that keeps you *well clear*, and Rule 8(b) wants it large enough to be readily apparent. A speed reduction alone is often not obvious to the other vessel by eye or radar. Tip: a bold course alteration (with sea-room) usually reads more clearly than a speed change; combine them if needed.

Part B · Steering and sailing rules Section I · Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility

COLREGS Rule 8 — Action to avoid Collision

Q: What are the qualities of proper action to avoid collision under Rule 8?

Rule 8: action shall be positive, made in ample time and with due regard to good seamanship. Any alteration of course and/or speed should be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel visually or by radar — a succession of small alterations should be avoided. If there is sufficient sea-room, alteration of course alone may be most effective provided it is made in good time, substantial, and does not result in another close-quarters situation. Check the action's effectiveness until finally past and clear; slacken speed, stop or reverse if necessary. Lead: big, early, obvious — one bold move, then check it works.

(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.

(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.

(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.

COLREGS Rule 8 — Action to avoid Collision

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