Admiralty Lawyer

Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

The Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea was adopted in 1972 to replace and to update the Collision Regulations of 1960 which was adopted at the same time as the 1960 SOLAS Treaty.

Its most important feature in the 1972 COLREGs was the recognition given to traffic separation schemes. Rule 10 gives guidance on determining safe speed, the risk of collision and the conduct of vessels operating in or near traffic separation schemes. The first traffic separation scheme was established in the Dover Straits in 1967 on a voluntary basis. In 1971, the IMO Assembly adopted a resolution decreeing that the observance of traffic separation schemes be made mandatory. The COLREGs make this obligation to traffic separation clear.

The first section of the treaty covers general rules. Rule one says that the rules of this treaty are applicable to all vessels upon the high seas and all waters connected to the high seas and navigable by seagoing vessels. The second rule of the treaty covers the responsibilities of the crew, captain, and owner of the ships that are included in Rule 1.

The second section of the treaty deals with navigation and steering. Under Rule 4, the steering and navigation rules apply under any case of visibility. Rule 5 mandates that every vessel will keep a proper look-out by sight and hearing. In addition they will maintain a look-out by all available means appropriate in the circumstances and conditions in order to make a full appraisal of the given situation and of the risk of collision. Rule 6 deals with safe speeds. Rule 8 covers actions to be taken to avoid collisions.

Despite the efforts of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly, collisions and accidents in the seas of the world do still happen. These often result in injury but are not the only way that people get injured at sea. If you or someone you know has been injured while at sea, there may be legal options available to you. An admiralty lawyer at Williams Kherkher can help you. Contact us at 1-866-950-9000 to discuss any and all legal options and to schedule an initial consultation.