Introduction
The International Sailing Collision Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (72 Collision Regulations/COLREGS) is an international maritime treaty which defines a set of rules to avoid collision between two moving vessels. The COLREGs apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith, subject to the exclusions in Rule 2 and except as provided in Rules 27-31, 33-34 and Annex I (Nautical Rules of the Road).
The International Sailing Collision Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (72 Collision Regulations/COLREGS) is an international maritime treaty which defines a set of rules to avoid collision between two moving vessels.
The International Sailing Collision Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (72 Collision Regulations/COLREGS) is an international maritime treaty which defines a set of rules to avoid collision between two moving vessels. It was initially adopted in 1972, and has since been modified several times. The most recent version was adopted in 2017 and came into force on 1 July 2018.
The treaty applies to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels. The new rules aim to reduce fatalities from ship collisions and will ensure that ships pass each other safely when they cannot alter course or speed as required by these rules due to limitations caused by currents or lack of opportunities for doing so safely.”
Sailboats less than 20 meters in length are considered power-driven vessels, unless they are racing, sailboard vessels, or windsurfers under sail.
Sailboats less than 20 meters in length are considered power-driven vessels, unless they are racing, sailboard vessels, or windsurfers under sail.
- Sailboards
- Windsurfers under sail
All sailing vessels must be prepared to stop quickly and alter course sharply at any time to avoid collision. However, since sailboats can’t stop quickly, the rules state that “a vessel under sail shall keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel.”
All sailing vessels must be prepared to stop quickly and alter course sharply at any time to avoid collision. However, since sailboats can’t stop quickly, the rules state that “a vessel under sail shall keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel.”
Also note that when you’re in a channel or fairway (a large open area where boats pass through) with other vessels overtaking you on either side, you must avoid crossing their bows—the front of their boat—as well as stay clear of them so they have room to maneuver safely.
When two power-driven vessels approach each other head-on and there is danger of collision, both shall alter course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other. Power-driven vessels usually have the right of way over sailing vessels, but in cases like this one where their courses are directly opposed, all power-driven vessels must give way to sailing vessels.
The right of way rules for power-driven vessels are:
- When two power-driven vessels approach each other head-on and there is danger of collision, both shall alter course so that each shall pass on the port side of the other. This rule is only applicable if it is safe to do so and when the vessels are close enough that one can see from a distance that this is required by law.
- If two power driven vessels are crossing paths at right angles (otherwise known as cross seas) then the vessel whose course is closer to yours has priority but you should still try to avoid them as best you can until they pass safely by your bow or stern – whichever comes first! If this does not work out then follow Rule 2 above instead! If all else fails, use Rule 3 below…
- Give way when necessary under sailboats; however if one vessel gets too close then use Rule 4 below…
Conclusion
A Sailing Collision ship may maneuver to prevent another vessel from passing through its wake. This rule allows a sailboat under sail to choose a course that keeps nearby boats clear of its wake and also incorporates a safe angle for passing any moored boats in the vicinity.
This does not apply when other vessels are overtaking, but only if they are navigating on parallel courses.
In summary, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (72 COLREGS) are an international maritime treaty which defines a set of rules to avoid collision between two moving vessels. The rules state that “a vessel under sail shall keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel.” This means that sailing vessels have a right-of-way over motorboats in some circumstances.
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