I.

History of COLREG

Back in the day ships at the sea had no rules governing their right of way and avoiding
collisions. At that time, sailing vessels were used to transport cargo, ferry passengers,
harvest fish from the sea and carry the mail. Recreational boating, as we know it today,
didn’t exist. Yachting was the domain of royalty and upper class society. Add into the mix
that when rules were adopted, different nations had their own regulations that reflected
their country’s maritime heritage for stand-on and give-way vessels, lateral at sea
navigation marks for channels, and onboard navigation lights. Internationally,
inconsistencies and contradictions abounded and collisions at sea were frequent.

During the age of sail, the mindset of maritime nations was that ships moved slowly.
Being governed by the laws of physics, sailing masters knew that ships couldn’t sail into
the eye of the wind nor could they sail in the absence of wind. With the advent of
steam-powered vessels in the mid-19th century, ships could maneuver at will
irrespective of wind direction and wind velocity.

As part of an 1838 act of Congress in the U.S. that addressed steamboat safety,
steamboats running between sunset and sunrise had to display one or more signal
lights, but color, visibility, and location were not specified. In England, Trinity House
(which was responsible for lighthouses, navigational aids and deep sea pilotage) pressed
Parliament into action to pass the Steam Navigation Act of 1846. That law required that
steam vessels pass port-to-port that crossing vessels make course alterations to
starboard, and that sailing vessels on the port tack give way to vessels on the starboard
tack. Two years later the United Kingdom issued regulations requiring steam vessels to
display red and green sidelights, as well as a white masthead light.

Back in the United States, English maritime law was having a great influence on
Congress. In 1858, in separate but similar actions, the U.S. and England recommended
colored sidelights for sailing vessels. Also, fog signals were required to be given on steam
vessels using the ship’s steam whistle, and on sailing vessels with a foghorn or bell.

Imagine a time, way back, when ships at sea had no rules governing their right of way
and avoiding collisions. At that time, sailing vessels were used to transport cargo, ferry
passengers, harvest fish from the sea and carry the mail. Recreational boating, as we
know it today, didn’t exist. Yachting was the domain of royalty and upper class society.
Add into the mix that when rules were adopted, different nations had their own
regulations that reflected their country’s maritime heritage for stand-on and give-way
vessels, lateral at sea navigation marks for channels, and onboard navigation lights.
Internationally, inconsistencies and contradictions abounded and collisions at sea were
frequent.

During the age of sail, the mindset of maritime nations was that ships moved slowly.
Being governed by the laws of physics, sailing masters knew that ships couldn’t sail into
the eye of the wind nor could they sail in the absence of wind. With the advent of
steam-powered vessels in the mid-19th century, ships could maneuver at will
irrespective of wind direction and wind velocity.
As part of an 1838 act of Congress in the U.S. that addressed steamboat safety,
steamboats running between sunset and sunrise had to display one or more signal
lights, but color, visibility, and location were not specified. In England, Trinity House
(which was responsible for lighthouses, navigational aids and deep sea pilotage) pressed
Parliament into action to pass the Steam Navigation Act of 1846. That law required that
steam vessels pass port-to-port that crossing vessels make course alterations to
starboard, and that sailing vessels on the port tack give way to vessels on the starboard
tack. Two years later the United Kingdom issued regulations requiring steam vessels to
display red and green sidelights, as well as a white masthead light.

Back in the United States, English maritime law was having a great influence on
Congress. In 1858, in separate but similar actions, the U.S. and England recommended
colored sidelights for sailing vessels. Also, fog signals were required to be given on steam
vessels using the ship’s steam whistle, and on sailing vessels with a foghorn or bell.

In 1858, the U.S. and England recommended colored sidelights for sailing vessels
In 1858, the U.S. and England recommended colored sidelights for sailing vessels
In 1863 the British Board of Trade, in consultation with the French government,
developed a new set of rules. By the following year, more than thirty maritime
countries, including Germany and the United States, had adopted those new
international regulations. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Rules to Prevent
Collisions at Sea into U.S. law in 1864. Some of the provisions of these first international
rules were that the overtaking vessel was required to stay out of the way of the
overtaken vessel, and that the stand-on vessel was required to maintain its course only.
The only sound signal prescribed while underway was a whistle at one-minute intervals
during fog or poor visibility.

The most well-known document of that era was The Rule of the Road written in 1867 by
Thomas Gray, the assistant secretary to the Maritime Department of the British Board of
Trade. That pamphlet became famous for its mnemonic verses such as:

Two Steam Ships meeting:

When both side-lights you see ahead —
Port your helm and show your RED.

Two Steam Ships passing:

GREEN to GREEN — or, RED to RED —
Perfect safety — go ahead!

In 1889 the United States convened the first International Maritime Conference to
consider regulations for preventing collisions, held in Washington, D.C. The resulting
Washington Conference rules were adopted in 1890 and went into effect in 1897.
Significant developments in this new body of rules included a requirement for stand-on
vessels to maintain speed as well as course, for steamships to carry a second masthead
light, for the give way vessel not to cross ahead of the stand on vessel, and for the use of
whistle signals to indicate course changes.
 For the next 70 years additional rule changes were made, and the International
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) was promulgated on a regular basis
beginning in 1914 following the Titanic disaster.

The worldwide, harmonized collision regulations that recreational boaters and

commercial shipping use for safe passage today, were first introduced by the
International Maritime Organization 1972 for ratification by member states. Beginning
July 15, 1977 the International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS), more
commonly known as COLREGs, became the rule of law. It is the foundation
navigational document for all vessels operating on the high seas.

II. Amendments of COLREG up to the present

COLREGs was adopted in 1972 and entered into force in 1977. Amendments
introduced in 1981, 1987, 1989, 1993, 2001 ,2007 and 2012 are already in force.

The 1981 amendments

Adoption: 19 November 1981
Entry into force: 1 June 1983

1. Rule 1(c)
(c) Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of any special rules made by
the
Government of any State with respect to additional station or signal lights, shapes or
whistle signals
for ships of war and vessels proceeding under convoy, or with respect to additional
station or signal
lights or shapes for fishing vessels engaged in fishing as a fleet. These additional station
or signal
lights, shapes or whistle signals shall, so far as possible, be such that they cannot be
mistaken for
any light, shape or signal authorized elsewhere under these Rules."

2. Rule 3(g)
Replace the sentence immediately before sub-paragraphs (i) to (vi) by the following:
"The term 'vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre' shall include but not be
limited to:".

3. Rule3(g)(v)
Replace the word "minesweeping" by the word "mineclearance".

4. Rule 10(b)(iii)
Replace the words "when joining or leaving from the side" by the words "when
joining or leaving
from either side”.
5. Rule 10(d)
Add the following sentence to the present text:
However, vessels of less than 20 metres in length and sailing vessels may under all
circumstances
use inshore traffic zones."

6. Rule 10(e)
Amend to read:
(e) A vessel other than a crossing vessel or a vessel joining or leaving a lane shall
not normally
enter...".

7. Rule 10(k)
Add the following new paragraph:
(k) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an operation for the
maintenance
of safety of navigation in a traffic separation scheme is exempted from complying with
this Rule to the
extent necessary to carry out the operation."

8. Rule 10(l)
Add the following new paragraph:
(I) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an operation
for the laying,
servicing or picking up of a submarine cable, within a traffic separation scheme, is
exempted from
complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation."

9. Rule 13(a)
Amend to read:
(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules of Part B, Sections I and II..."

10. Rule 22(d)

Add a new paragraph:
(d) In inconspicuous, partly submerged vessels or objects being towed:
- a white all-round light, 3 miles."

11. Rule 23(c)

Amend to read:
(c)(i) A power-driven vessel of less than 12 metres in length may in lieu of the
lights prescribed in
paragraph (a) of this Rule exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights;
(ii) a power-driven vessel of less than 7 metres in length whose maximum speed does
not exceed 7
knots may in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule exhibit an all-
round white light
and shall, if practicable, also exhibit sidelights;
 (iii) the masthead light or all-round white light on a power-driven vessel of less
than 12 metres in
length may be displaced from the fore and aft centreline of the vessel if
centreline fitting is not
practicable, provided that the sidelights are combined in one lantern which shall be
carried on the fore
and aft centreline of the vessel or located as nearly as practicable in the same fore and
aft line as the
masthead light or the all-round white light."

12. Rule 24(a)(i) and (c)(i)

Insert "or (a)(ii)" after "in Rule 23(a)(i)" and delete "forward".

13. Rule 24(d)

Replace the words "paragraphs (a) and (с)" in the first line by the words "paragraph (a)
or (c)".

14. Rule 24(e)

Amend the lead-in sentence to read:
A vessel or object being towed, other than those mentioned in paragraph (g) of
this Rule, shall
exhibit:".

15. Rule 24(g)

Insert the following new paragraph (g):
(g) An inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object, or combination of such
vessels or objects
being towed, shall exhibit:
(i) if it is less than 25 metres in breadth, one all-round white light at or near the forward
end and one
at or near the after end except that dracones need not exhibit a light at or near the
forward end;
(ii) if it is 25 metres or more in breadth, two additional all-round white lights at or near
the extremities
of its breadth;
(iii) if it exceeds 100 metres in length, additional all-round white lights between the
lights prescribed
in sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii) so that the distance between the lights shall not exceed 100
metres;
(iv) a diamond shape at or near the aftermost extremity of the last vessel or object
being towed and if
the length of the tow exceeds 200 metres an additional diamond shape where it can
best be seen and
located as far forward as is practicable."

16. Rule 24(h)

Reletter existing paragraph (g), which becomes paragraph (h), and amend it to read:
 "(h) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel or object being
towed to exhibit
the lights or shapes prescribed in paragraph (e) or (g) of this Rule, all possible
measures shall be
taken to light the vessel or object towed or at least to indicate the presence of such
vessel or object."

17. Rule 24(i)

Add the following new paragraph:
"(i) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel not normally
engaged in towing
operations to display the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (c) of this Rule, such vessel
shall not be
required to exhibit those lights when engaged in towing another vessel in distress
or otherwise in
need of assistance. All possible measures shall be taken to indicate the nature of
the relationship
between the towing vessel and the vessel being towed as authorized by Rule 36,
in particular by
illuminating the towline."

18. Rule 25(b)

Amend "18 metres" to read "22 metres".

19. Rule 27(b) (preamble)

Replace the word "minesweeping" by the word "mineclearance" in the first sentence.

20. Rule 27(b)(iii)

Replace the words "masthead lights" by the words "a masthead light or lights".

21. Rule 27(c)

Amend to read:
A power-driven vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely restricts the
towing vessel and
her tow in their ability to deviate from their course shall, in addition to the lights or
shapes prescribed
in Rule 24(a), exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in sub-paragraphs (b)(i) and (ii) of
this Rule."

22. Rule 27(d)

- Replace the words "paragraph (b)" by the words "sub-paragraphs (b)(i), (ii) and (iii)";
- delete existing sub-paragraph (iii);
- renumber existing sub-paragraph (iv) which becomes (iii) and amend it to read:
"(iii) when at anchor, the lights or shapes prescribed in this paragraph instead of the
lights or shape
prescribed in Rule 30."

23. Rule 27(e)

 Amend to read:
"(e) Whenever the size of a vessel engaged in diving operations makes it impracticable
to exhibit all
lights and shapes prescribed in paragraph (d) of this Rule, the following shall be
exhibited:
(i) three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The
highest and lowest of
these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white;
(ii) a rigid replica of the International Code flag "A" not less than 1 metre in height.
Measures shall be
taken to ensure its all-round visibility."

24. Rule 27(f)

Amend to read:
A vessel engaged in mineclearance operations shall in addition to the lights prescribed
for a power-
driven vessel in Rule 23 or to the lights or shape prescribed for a vessel at
anchor in Rule 30 as
appropriate, exhibit three all-round green lights or three balls. One of these lights or
shapes shall be
exhibited near the foremast head and one at each end of the fore yard. These
lights or shapes
indicate that it is dangerous for another vessel to approach within 1000 metres of the
mineclearance
vessel."

25. Rule 27(g)

Amend to read:
(g) Vessels of less than 12 metres in length, except those engaged in diving operations,
shall not be
required to exhibit the lights and shapes prescribed in this Rule."

26. Rule 29(a)(iii)

Amend to read:
"(a)(iii) when at anchor, in addition to the lights prescribed in sub-paragraph (i),
the light, lights or
shape prescribed in Rule 30 for vessels at anchor."

27. Rule 30(e)

Delete "or aground" and amend "shapes prescribed in paragraphs (a), (b) or (d) of
this Rule" to
read:
"shape prescribed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule."

28. Rule 30(f)

Add the following new paragraph:
"(f) A vessel of less than 12 metres in length, when aground, shall not be required to
exhibit the lights
or shapes prescribed in sub-paragraphs (d)(i) and (ii) of this Rule."

29. Rule 33(a)

in the last line replace "required " by "prescribed".

30. Rule 34(b)(iii)

Add "to these Regulations" after the words "Annex I".

31. Rule 35(d)

Insert a new paragraph (d) and reletter existing paragraphs (d) to (i) which become
(e) to (j),
as appropriate:
(d) A vessel engaged in fishing, when at anchor, and a vessel restricted in her ability to
manoeuvre
when carrying out her work at anchor, shall instead of the signals prescribed in
paragraph (g) of this
Rule sound the signal prescribed in paragraph (c) of this Rule."

32. Rule 36
Add the following at the end of the present text:
"Any light to attract the attention of another vessel shall be such that it cannot be
mistaken for any
aid to navigation. For the purpose of this Rule the use of high intensity intermittent or
revolving lights,
such as strobe lights, shall be avoided."

33. Rule 37
Replace the word "prescribed" by "described".

34. Rule 38
Insert "to these Regulations" after the words "Annex I" in paragraphs (d)(i), (e), (f) and
after the
words "Annex III" in paragraph (g).

35. Rule 38(h)

Add the following new paragraph:
(h) The repositioning of all-round lights resulting from the prescription of Section 9(b)
of Annex I to
these Regulations, permanent exemption."

36. Annex I, Section 1

Add the following sentence to the present text of the definition:
"This height shall be measured from the position vertically beneath the location of the
light."

37. Annex I, Section 2(e)

Amend to read as follows:
 One of the two or three masthead lights prescribed for a power-driven vessel
when engaged in
towing or pushing another vessel shall be placed in the same position as either the
forward masthead
light or the after masthead light; provided that, if carried on the aftermast, the lowest
after masthead
light shall be at least 4.5 metres vertically higher than the forward masthead light."

38. Annex I, Section 2(f)

Amend to read:
"(f)(i) The masthead light or lights prescribed in Rule 23(a) shall be so placed as to
be above and
clear of all other lights and obstructions except as described in sub-paragraph (ii).
(ii) When it is impracticable to carry the all-round lights prescribed by Rule 27(b)(i) or
Rule 28 below
the masthead lights, they may be carried above the after masthead light(s) or
vertically in between
the forward masthead light(s) and after masthead light(s), provided that in the
latter case the
requirement of Section 3(c) of this Annex shall be complied with."

39. Annex I, Section 2(i)(i)

Replace all words of this sub-paragraph after the word "required" in the penultimate
line by the
following:
"be placed at a height of not less than 4 metres above the hull".

40. Annex I, Section 2(i)(ii)

Replace all words of this sub-paragraph after the word "required" in the penultimate
line by the
following:
"be placed at a height of not less than 2 metres above the hull".

41. Annex I, Section 2(j)

Delete "fishing" before "vessel".

42. Annex I, Section 2(k)

Insert "prescribed in Rule 30(a)(i)" between "light" and ", when two are carried".
Replace all words after "shall" in the second sentence by "be placed at a height of not
less than 6
metres above the hull."

43. Annex I, Section 3(b)

In the first line replace "On a vessel" by "On a power-driven vessel".

44. Annex I, Section 3(c)

Add the following new paragraph:
 "(c) When the lights prescribed in Rule 27(b) (i) or Rule 28 are placed vertically between
the forward
masthead light(s) and the after masthead light(s) these all-round lights shall be placed at
a horizontal
distance of not less than 2 metres from the fore and aft centreline of the vessel
in the athwartship
direction."

45. Annex I, Section 5

Insert in the first line after "The sidelights" the words "of vessels of 20 metres or
more in
length" and add the following sentence after the first sentence:
On vessels of less than 20 metres in length the sidelights, if necessary to meet the
requirements of
Section 9 of this Annex, shall be fitted with inboard matt black screens."

46. Annex I, Section 8

Add the following sentence to the Note at the end of this section:
"This shall not be achieved by a variable control of the luminous intensity".

47. Annex I, Section 9(a)(i)

Replace "must" by "shall".

48. Annex I, Section 9(a)(ii), last line

Replace "limits" by "sectors".

49. Annex I, Section 9(b)

Insert "prescribed in Rule 30" between "lights" and ", which need not be....".

50. Annex I, Section 10(a) and (b)

Insert "as fitted" after "electric lights" in the introductory sentences of Section 10(a) and
(b).

51. Annex I, Section 13

Amend to read as follows:
"The construction of lights and shapes and the installation of lights on board the
vessel shall be to
the satisfaction of the appropriate authority of the State whose flag the vessel is entitled
to fly."

52. Annex III, Section 1(d)

Replace "4dB below the sound pressure" by "4dB below the prescribed sound
pressure" and
replace "10dB below the sound pressure" by "10dB below the prescribed sound
pressure".

53. Annex III, Section 2(a)

Replace the words "1 metre" by the words "a distance of 1 metre from it".

54. Annex III, Section 2(b)

Amend the second sentence to read:
"The diameter of the mouth of the bell shall be not less than 300 mm for vessels
of 20 metres or
more in length, and shall be not less than 200 mm for vessels of 12 metres or more but
of less than
20 metres in length."

55. Annex III, Section 3

Replace "the State where the vessel is registered" by "the State whose flag the vessel
is entitled to
fly".

56. Rule 35(b) (French text)

Insert "a propulsion mecanique" between "navire" and "faisant route".

The 1987 amendments

Adoption: 19 November 1987
Entry into force: 19 November 1989
Rule 1(e) -- vessel of special construction. The Phrase "without interfering with the
special function of
the vessel" is deleted which simplifies the government's determination that a vessel
complies as
closely as possible with the rules.
Rule 3(h) -- vessel constrained by her draught. A new consideration, width of navigable
water, is
added when determining if a vessel is constrained by her draft.
Rule 8 -- not to impede. New rule 8(f) is added to action to avoid collision which defines
the conduct
required by the terminology "not to impede" in passing situations.
Rule 10(a) -- traffic separation schemes. The phrase "and does not relieve any vessel of
her
obligation under any other rule" is added which makes it clear that 72 COLREGS apply in
addition to
the special rules for vessels in traffic separation schemes.
Rule 10(c) -- crossing traffic lanes. The phrase "on a heading" is added which clarifies the
Rule by
inserting the words "on a heading" which are implied in the present language.
Annex I, section 2(d) -- uppermost light. The height requirement for masthead lights is
applied to the
optional all-round light of Rule 23(c) (I) for power-driven vessels of less than 12 meters
in length.
Annex I, section 2(I) (ii) -- vertical spacing of lights. The phrase "above the hull" is
replaced by "above
the gunwale" which better defines the location from which the masthead light is
measured when two
or three lights are carried in a vertical line on a vessel less than 20 meters in length.
Annex I, sections 10(a) and 10(b) -- sailing vessel lights. The word "underway" is added
after the
words "sailing vessels" to clarify the applicability of the Annex.
Annex IV, section 1(o) -- distress signals. New paragraph (o) is added which adds
"approved signals
transmitted by radio communications systems" to the list of approved distress signals.

The 1989 amendments

Adoption: 19 October 1989
Entry into force: 19 April 1991

ANNEX
- Traffic separation schemes
"(d)(i) A vessel shall not use an inshore traffic zone when she can safely use the
appropriate traffic
lane within the adjacent traffic separation scheme. However, vessels of less than 20
metres in length,
sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing may use the inshore traffic zone.

(ii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (d)(i), a vessel may use an inshore traffic zone when
en route to or
from a port, offshore installation or structure, pilot station or any other place situated
within the
inshore traffic zone, or to avoid immediate danger

The 1993 amendments

Adoption: 4 November 1993
Entry into force: 4 November 1995

Rule 26(b)(i): Delete the words "a vessel of less than 20 metres in length may instead of
this shape
exhibit a basket".

2. Rule 26(c)(i): Delete the words "a vessel of less than 20 metres in length may instead
of this shape
exhibit a basket".

3. Rule 26(d): is amended to read as follows:

"(d) The additional signals described in Annex II to these Regulations apply to a

vessel engaged in
fishing in close proximity to other vessels engaged in fishing."
4. Annex I, section 3 - Horizontal positioning and spacing of lights: a new paragraph (d)
is added as
follows:

"(d) When only one masthead light is prescribed for a power-driven vessel, this light
shall be exhibited
forward of amidships; except that a vessel of less than 20 metres in length need not
exhibit this light
forward of amidships but shall exhibit it as far forward as is practicable."

5. Annex I, section 9 - Horizontal sectors:

- the existing paragraph "(b)" is renumbered to read "(b)(i)".

- a new subparagraph (b)(ii) is added as follows:

"(b)(ii) If it is impracticable to comply with paragraph (b)(i) of this section by
exhibiting only one all-
round light, two all-round lights shall be used suitably positioned or screened so that
they appear, as
far as practicable, as one light at a distance of one mile."

6. Annex I, section 13 - Approval: Amend to read "14. Approval"; and insert a new
section 13 as
follows:

"13. High-speed craft

The masthead light of high-speed craft with a length to breadth ratio of less than 3.0
may be placed at
a height related to the breadth of the craft lower than that prescribed in
paragraph 2(a)(i) of this
annex, provided that the base angle of the isosceles triangles formed by the sidelights
and masthead
light, when seen in end elevation, is not less than 27°."

7. Annex II, section 2 - Signals for trawlers:

- the lead-in sentence of paragraph (a) is amended to read:

"(a) Vessels of 20 metres or more in length when engaged in trawling, whether
using demersal or
pelagic gear, shall exhibit:"

- the lead-in sentence of paragraph (b) is amended to read:

"(b) Each vessel of 20 metres or more in length engaged in pair trawling shall exhibit:"

- a new paragraph (c) is added as follows:

"(c) A vessel of less than 20 metres in length engaged in trawling, whether using
demersal or pelagic
gear or engaged in pair trawling, may exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraphs
(a) or (b) of this
section, as appropriate."

8. Annex IV, subparagraph 1(o): Amend to read:

"1. (o) approved signals transmitted by radiocommunication systems, including

survival craft radar
transponders."

The 2001 amendments

Adoption: 29 November 2001
Entry into force: 29 November 2003
The amendments include new rules relating to Wing-in Ground (WIG) craft. The
following are
amended:
General Definitions (Rule 3) - to provide the definition of wing-in-ground (WIG) craft;
 Action to avoid collision (Rule 8 (a)) - to make it clear that any action to avoid collision
should be taken in accordance with the relevant rules in the COLREGs and to link Rule 8
with the other steering and sailing rules;
 Responsibilities between vessels (Rule 18) - to include a requirement that a WIG craft,
when taking off, landing and in flight near the surface, shall keep clear of all other
vessels and avoid impeding their navigation and also that a WIG craft operating on the
water surface shall comply with the Rules as for a power-driven vessel;
 Power-driven vessels underway (Rule 23) - to include a requirement that WIG craft
shall,
in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph 23 (a) of the Rule, exhibit a high-
intensity all-round flashing red light when taking off, landing and in-flight near the
surface;
 Seaplanes (Rule 31) - to include a provision for WIG craft;
 Equipment for sound signals and sound signals in restricted visibility (Rules 33 and 35) -
to cater for small vessels;
 Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes (Annex I) - amendments with
respect to high-speed craft (relating to the vertical separation of masthead lights); and
 Technical details of sound signal appliances (Annex III) - amendments with respect to
whistles and bell or gong to cater for small vessels.

The 2007 amendments

Adoption: November 2007
Entry into force: 01 December 2009
In annex IV, Distress signals:
1 In 1 (d), the words “radiotelegraphy or by any other” are replaced with “any”.
2 1 (l) is replaced with: (l) a distress alert by means of digital selective calling (DSC)
transmitted
on: (i) VHF channel 70, or (ii) MF/HF on the frequencies 2187.5 kHz, 8414.5 kHz, 4207.5
kHz,
6312 kHz, 12577 kHz or 16804.5 kHz;
3 1 (m) is replaced with: (m) a ship-to-shore distress alert transmitted by the ship’s
Inmarsat or other mobile satellite service provider ship earth station;
4 In paragraph 3, “the Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual” is replaced by “the
International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual, Volume III,”.

The 2012 amendments

Adoption: December 2013
Entry into force: 1 January 2016
The latest amendments , include a new part, “Part F”, containing three Rules, Rule
39, 40 and 41,
Rule 39 Definitions
(a) Audit means a systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining audit
evidence
and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which audit criteria are fulfilled.
(b) Audit Scheme means the IMO Member State Audit Scheme established by the
Organization
and taking into account the guidelines developed by the Organization.
(c) Code for Implementation means the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III
Code)
adopted by the Organization by resolution A.1070(28). (d) Audit Standard means the
Code for
Implementation.
Rule 40 Application
Contracting Parties shall use the provisions of the Code for Implementation in the
execution of
their obligations and responsibilities contained in the present Convention.
Rule 41 Verification of compliance
(a) Every Contracting Party shall be subject to periodic audits by the Organization in
accordance with the audit standard to verify compliance with and implementation of the
present
Convention.
(b) The Secretary-General of the Organization shall have responsibility for administering
the
Audit Scheme, based on the guidelines developed by the Organization.
(c) Every Contracting Party shall have responsibility for facilitating the conduct of the
audit and
implementation of a programme of actions to address the findings, based on the
guidelines
developed by the Organization.
(d) Audit of all Contracting Parties shall be:
(i) based on an overall schedule developed by the Secretary-General of the Organization,
taking
into account the guidelines developed by the Organization; and
(ii) conducted at periodic intervals, taking into account the guidelines developed by the
 Organization

III. Different types of Collission at Sea and Statistics

1. Offshore Oil Rig Mishaps

The recently occurred oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is an offshore oil rig accident.
Offshore oil rigs constitute great danger in terms of their heavy machinery and the
complexities of the processes involved. Even a minor error by way of negligence of a
simple process or overlooking in the working of a machinery part can lead to immense
damaging consequences across the world.

2. Cruise Vessel Mishaps

Cruise vessels form a very important part in the vacation itinerary of people. However, a
major type of maritime accident occurs in cruise vessels. Cruise vessels could capsize or
face tough weather conditions causing the ship to develop major problems.Another
important case of accidents in cruise ships is because of the negligence on the part of
workers. As per statistical data nearly 75% of fires are caused because of a mere
mistake by people working on the cruise ship.

3. Commercial Fishing Mishaps

Even fishing for commercial purposes can lead to fatal incidents being caused.
Inexperienced fishermen – sometimes even experienced ones – can fall overboard.
Harsh weather conditions can also could severe damages to a commercial fishing
expedition.

4. Accidents on Tugboats
Tugboats are those which help move huge ships to enter docks. They are small in nature
but are powerful to ensure that the large vessels are handled safely. But sometimes
because of the blockage of the visibility of tugboats by the larger vessels, maritime
accidents occur. Also human error on the part of the pilot of the tugboat can also lead to
unwanted and unexpected tugboat mishaps.

5. Accidents on Crude Oil Tankers and Cargo Ships

The major cause of accidents on cargo tankers is explosions. Since the very nature of the
materials these tankers transport is dangerous and highly flammable, even the most
minor of explosions can cause enormous losses. According to statistics, one of the main
reasons for oil tanker accidents occurring is because of workers’ negligence – nearly
84-88%.

6. Grounding of Ships
Ship grounding occurs when the bottom of the ship’s hull scrapes through the ocean-
bed. This type of maritime accident has a lot of impact on the ship’s hull and more on
the overall oceanic area where the grounding has started to occur and has finally
culminated.The danger to workers aboard the ship is another important consequence
because of the mishap.

7. Maritime Accident because of Drugs and alcohol

Drug or substance abuse is a major problem across the world. Even in the marine world,
substance abuse can cause irreparable damage. If the workers of a particular ship
engage in substance abuse or alcohol, the addiction-induced frenzy could cause the
worker to behave erratically and thereby lead to an unwanted maritime accident on
board ships.

8. Crane Mishaps
Just like crane operations on the land, marine crane operations on ports and on ship are
also risky. The risk is further stressed because of the oceanic operations where the
cranes are required. Because of faulty wires or winches, crane workers can lose their life
or in a worst case scenario, be alive but with irreparable physical handicap. Alternatively,
accidents because of crane operations are also caused because of negligence and
inexperience on the part of the worker.

9. Accidents in Shipyards
The shipyardis the place where the ship is assembled and constructed in its entirety.
Fitting and welding accidents are common in the shipyard which could spare the worker
his life but hamper the worker’s overall working abilities. Similarly constant inhaling of
poisonous fumes also becomes another shipyard accident cause.

10. Maritime Accidents on Diving Support Vessels: People who want to explore the

mysteries of the deep sea use a diving support craft to take a plunge into the water.
However if the diving support craft is unfit and if the crew also happens to be really unfit
to oversee and manoeuvre the whole operation effectively, a major accident can be
caused.

11. Accidents on Barges: Barge mishaps occur mainly because of the overall build of the

barges themselves, which allows them limited movement on the water and because of
the problems of the barge-towing equipments. These problems could be caused due to
inexperience on the part of the person at the helm of the towing boats or due to usage
of faulty towing cables.

12. Cargo Hauling Accidents: Cargo hauling maritime accidents are those accidents

caused to workers who work as cargo haulers. However, according to several maritime
accident investigations, it has been reported that cargo hauling workers overstate their
cargo-hauling injuries. The maritime accident investigation, consequentially reports that
because of this, this profession has one of the most severe rate of work-place
absenteeism.

Statistics of incidents in the offshore industry

The Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) publishes yearly reports with incident statistics.
Figure below shows the number of incidents with ships on a collision course in relation
to the number of installations with surveillance from Statoil Hydro Traffic Control. The
station provides surveillance services to 85% of all the offshore installations on the
Norwegian Continental Shelf (Tor Egil Hopen Saue, 2008‐11‐03). As can be seen in the
figure, the number of vessels on collision course with an installation seems to have a
decreasing trend but a risk does however still exist.
IV. Download of COLREG – Will be attached on submission
V. List of the Contents of COLREG 1972 up to annexes: