maritime training
Preventing collision... Rule Part 22
BY LOUISE DEEHAN-OWEN, SENIOR LECTURER, NZ MARITIME SCHOOL
W
e are seeing a disturbing trend in the increase in
number of small vessel collisions. Some of the media
coverage and reporting is misleading as it begins to
portray Maritime Rule Part 22 – The Collision Prevention Rule, as
somewhat similar to the vehicle road rules with one vessel being
completely in the wrong and the other absolved of blame.
The objective of the rule (adapted from the International
Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) is to avoid collision
with another vessel. If a collision does occur then both parties must
have a portion of blame allocated.
In any collision one may reflect and consider that the "lookout"
and "safe speed" sections of the rule were not being given due
consideration. Failure of required actions and understanding of the
application of the rule may also be apparent. In some cases, the
misunderstanding of responsibility and culpability lead to a casual
approach towards the application of the part.
Rule 5: "Lookout" reminds us that we must use "all means
appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions, so as to
make a full appraisal of the situation and the risk of collision." So
we must utilise our eyes, an extra set of eyes if needed, binoculars,
AIS and radar if fitted. We must listen and monitor the marine radio
and keep an ear out for signals from other vessels.
Rule 6: "Safe Speed" states that, "every vessel must at all
times proceed at a safe speed so that proper and effective action
>
to avoid a collision can be taken and the vessel can be stopped
within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and
conditions." Rule 6 then goes on to state what must be considered
in determining a safe speed. We should give thought to the
conditions both within the vessel and its environment that may
prevent us from sighting another vessel, assessing the risk and
taking action if required, at the speed at which we are proceeding.
There is no single nominated safe speed, as it is specifically vessel
and environment related for that point in time. The old adage that
states that, "you should be able to stop in half your visible distance"
came from early vehicle road rule guidelines and is misleading and
incorrect in its application to maritime situations.
Another reoccurring misunderstanding is that in a situation
where there are two power driven vessels crossing so as to involve
collision we are often informed by students from industry that the
stand-on vessel is not obliged to act. This is not the fact. In Rule 17
of Part 22, it states clearly in "3" that: "When, from any cause, the
stand-on vessel finds itself so close that collision cannot be avoided
by the action of the give-way vessel alone, it must take whatever
action will best avoid collision. The word "must" is clear.
I urge you all to read the Collision Prevention Rule, discuss it with
your watchkeepers and crew. Discuss it with other skippers and if
there is doubt as to intent or application, seek advice. We are
all too happy to assist at the New Zealand Maritime School.
We provide maritime training in
the following areas:
- Maritime New Zealand Licences
Your first
choice in
maritime
training
- Marine Engineering
- STCW '95 Basic Training
- Mate and Master Yacht Licences.
Maritime training designed to
meet your company's needs:
- Customised training
- Experienced lecturers
- Flexible learning options including blended
delivery for 'Inshore Launchmaster' and
'New Zealand Offshore Watchkeeper'
Maritime New Zealand licences
- Maritime consultancy.
New Zealand Maritime School, Level 3, 2 Commerce St, Auckland on phone:
0800 744 722 email: maritime@manukau.ac.nz or visit: www.nzmaritime.com
www.skipper.co.nz
July/August 2013
2200
VIP.WB13
13
3
For a list of our 2013 courses or
for more information, contact:
Professional Skipper 53
