Ajish Gopalakrishnan A Proud Indian … search

22nd October 2011 4 Stages of Collision

When two vessels in sight of each other are approaching with no change of compass
bearing, so that when there is a risk of collision, one of them is required to keep out
of the way by Rule from Section II. There may be four stages relating to the permitted
or required action fro each vessel." 

1. At long range, before risk of collision exists, both vessels are free to take any
action. 

2. When risk of collision first begins to apply the give-way vessel is required to take
early and substantial action to achieve a safe passing distance and the other vessel
must keep her course and speed. 

3. When it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate
action in compliance with the Rules the stand-on vessel is required 
to give the whistle signal prescribed in Rule 34(d) and is permitted to take action to
avoid collision by her manoeuvre alone, but a power-driven vessel must not alter
course to port to avoid another power-driven vessel crossing from her own port side.
The give-way vessel is not relieved of her obligation to keep out of the way. 

4. When collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone the stand-on vessel
is required to take such action as will best aid to avoid collision. 
The distance at which the various stages begin to apply will vary considerably. They
will be much greater for high speed vessels involved in a fine head on or fine crossing
situation. For a crossing situation involving two power-driven vessels in the open sea
it is suggested that the outer limit of 
the second stage might be of the order of 5 to 8 miles and that the outer limit for the
third stage would be about 2 to 3 miles. 

Source: A guide to the Collision Avoidance Rules by Capt.AN Cockroft and JNF
Lameijer
Posted 22nd October 2011 by Ajish Gopalakrishnan