Lesson

RULE 19 - Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility

a. This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or

near an area of restricted visibility.
b. Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing
circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel shall
have her engines ready for immediate maneuver.
c. Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing circumstances and
conditions of restricted visibility when complying with the Rules of Section I of
this Part.
d. A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall
determine if a close-quarters situation is developing and/or risk of collision exists.
If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, provided that when such
action consists of an alteration of course, so far as possible the following shall
be avoided:
i. An alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam,
other than for a vessel being overtaken;
ii. an alteration of course towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.
e. Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist, every
vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam the fog signal of
another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with
another vessel forward of her beam, shall reduce her speed to the
minimum at which she can be kept on her course. She shall if necessary take all
her way off and in any event navigate with extreme caution until danger of
collision is over. 

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the lesson, the students shall be able to discuss the:

1.    Explain the application of Rule 19;

2.    Compared Rule 6 and Rule 19 regarding the determination of safe speed;

3.    Explained how a “close-quarters situation” is interpreted;

4.    Explained how a 'navigate with extreme caution' is interpreted;

5.    Demonstrate, using a maneuvering board or radar simulator, how to determine risk

of collision and the proper action to take to avoid collision in restricted visibility.
 

Reference: http://inoa.net/zeilen/colreg.html

Guide Questions

1.    What is the main focus of rule 19?

2.    How does rule 6 and 19 govern the determination of safe speed?

Application of Rule 19

When restricted visibility is encountered or expected, the first responsibility of the officer

of the watch is to comply with the relevant rules of the International Regulations
for Preventing Collisions at Sea, with particular regard to the sounding of fog signals,
proceeding at a safe speed and having the engines ready for immediate manœuvre. In
addition, the officer in charge of the navigational watch shall: a) Inform the Master, b)
Post a proper look-out c) Exhibit navigation light, d) Operate and use the radar.

a. This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or
near an area of restricted visibility.

(i)      Meaning that this Rule applies to such vessels that may be close to each other but
cannot visually see each other, electronic devices and sound signals may be the only
possible means of detection and thus the action that would be taken would not be
visible by the other vessel.
The areas are not only in areas of poor visibility but also areas near to that. Ships
should be careful when approaching a fog bank, or an area of poor visibility caused
maybe by any weather or other condition.

The areas are not only in areas of poor visibility but also areas near to that. Ships
should be careful when approaching a fog bank, or an area of poor visibility caused
maybe by any weather or other condition.

The areas are not only in areas of poor visibility but also areas near to that. Ships
should be careful when approaching a fog bank, or an area of poor visibility caused
maybe by any weather or other condition.

b. Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing

circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel shall
have her engines ready for immediate maneuver.
c. Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing circumstances and
conditions of restricted visibility when complying with the Rules of Section I of this
Part.
d. A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall
determine if a close-quarters situation is developing and/or risk of collision exists.
If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, provided that when such
action consists of an alteration in course, so far as possible the following shall be
avoided:

(i)      An alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a
vessel being overtaken;

Meaning: In restricted visibility when the vessels cannot see each other as required by
the Rules, the above are to be complied with. Of course, alteration of course to Port has
been advised against, and it should be followed as far as practicable if the situation
deems that an alteration, of course, other than to Port is required then that may be
done.- Rule 2, use your head. For overtaking situation after the Risk factor has been
assessed the alteration may be done either way.

(ii)    (An alteration of course toward a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.

 Comparing Rule 6 and Rule 19 regarding the determination of safe speed

The application of rule 6, with regard to determining a safe speed, will vary on a case by
case basis and power driven vessels must remember that they are obliged to have their
engines ready for immediate maneuver. In too many instances excess speed has been
deemed to be a causative factor in the lead up to the collision occurring. A vessel’s
speed and the factors affecting its determination must be regularly evaluated by the
bridge team and the speed adjusted as necessary for changing conditions.  

Rule 19 applies to vessels that are not in sight of one another, navigating in or near an
area of restricted visibility. Unlike the rules of section II there are no vessels designated
as the “give way”’ or “stand on” vessel. Under the requirements of rule 19, all vessels
which determine by radar alone that a close quarters situation and/or risk of collision
exists are obliged to take action, regardless of vessel type; the responsibilities between
vessels as specified in rule 18 do not apply to vessels not in sight of one another.
Vessels may take action to increase the CPA by either altering course and/or adjusting
their speed. If an alteration of course is made, in line with the requirements of rule 19,
the vessel shall, as far as possible, avoid an alteration of course to port for a vessel
forward of her beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken, or an alteration of course
towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam. 

Rule 19 further goes on to state, that unless a vessel has determined that risk of
collision does not exist, every vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam the
fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with
another vessel forward of her beam, even when this vessel has been detected and
tracked previously by radar, shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be
kept on her course. She shall if necessary take all way off and in any event navigate
with extreme caution until danger of collision is over. The fact that determining the exact
direction from which a sound signal has emanated is quite difficult has to be borne in
mind, hence the use of the term “apparently forward of the beam”, and it also has to be
remembered that judging distance from a heard sound signal is also very difficult. 

Watch this video to learn more about Rule 19

 
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Interpreting “close-quarters situation”

Close quarter situation means a situation at which vessels are dangerously approaching
each other and the action of one vessel alone may not be enough to avoid Risk of
collision. The distance may vary case by case,

However, the following factors may take into account.

  (1) Approaching rate and directions. 

  (2) The speed of both vessels.

  (3) Maneuverability of both vessels.

  (4) Weather, visibility and traffic condition etc.

Navigate with extreme caution

The distance between the vessels may assume that there is a close quarter situation if
one vessel entering into the turning circle of the other.

The risk of collision is that the bearing between the vessels is not changing enough so
if these vessels are kept going that course and speed they will meet (collide or almost
collide) at a point. However, as per Rule 7 (a), we should assume that there is a risk of
a collision even if we have any doubt.

Impeding the safe passage.

o   Its concern with ( rule 9 b,c,d rule 10 i,j and rule 18 d,e,f)

o    Above mentioned vessel supposed to take early action to allow sufficient sea room
for the safe passage of the vessel not to be impeded ( rule 8 f i).

o   That means the vessel not to impede should take action early without waiting to
determine the risk of collision exit or not.

Using a maneuvering board or radar simulator, how to determine risk of collision

and the proper action to take to avoid collision in restricted visibility

RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging ) – it is an electronic or  radiation device which
can be used for detection and ranging of contacts independent of time and weather
condition.

Importance of Radar:    
 1. Collision Avoidance - radar can be used as anti-collision device, can be used at
night or during restricted visibility. The guard alarm feature of every Radar, alerts
you when targets enter a particular area, or own ship is nearing a danger area.
The alarm area can be forward of own ship or a 360-degree circle around the
vessel. When Radar targets such as other ships, landmasses or buoys enter the
zone, an audible alarm sounds to alert the operator.
2. Position Fixing - can be used for piloting or terrestrial navigation in coastal and
inland waterways, a fix can be obtained from a single object, since both ranges
and bearings are being provided by the  instrument, radar fixes can be obtained
rapidly with the PPI ( Plan Position Indicator ) scope, continuous position can be
always available.

Since Radar sees further than the naked eye, the echoes from islands and landmasses
can be used to determine own ships’ position. When running near land, you can use
peninsulas and other targets whose echoes show distinct contours on the display to
determine own ships’ position. Distant, tall mountains or bridges may be similarly used
provided they are above the horizon.

Introduction to Radar Plotting

The Symbols used in Radar Plotting:

1.    R                    - position of own ship, become e when transfer at the vector triangle.

2.    OC                 - own course or own ship’s initial course.

3.    OS                 - own speed

4.    RML               - relative motion line

5.    DRM              - direction of relative motion line, always in the direction from r to m of
the vector triangle

6.    SRM              - speed of relative motion

7.    CPA               - closest point of approach, where the target will be at it’s nearest
distance to own ship.
8.    RCPA             - range of CPA, distance from R to CPA

9.    BCPA             - bearing of CPA from own ship (R)

10.  TCPA             - time at CPA

11. NCPA / NRCPA    - new CPA, exist when you have change your course or speed

12. NBCPA             - new bearing of CPA

13. NSRM               - new SRM
14. NDRM            - new DRM
15. NOC/NCTS      - new own course or new course to steer
16. T/co                 - target course
17. T/Spd.           - target speed
18. Mx                   - point of execution position of the target on the RML at planned
time or distance of own ships maneuver

19. BMx                 - bearing of Mx from own ship

20. RMx                 - range or distance of Mx from own ship
21.  e                 - position of own ship on the vector triangle, origin of own ship’s
vector (e → r), also origin of target’s vector (e → m)

22. m                  - the head of relative motion and target course on the vector
triangle   ( r → m ) (e → m), final plotted position of the target (M2 or M3)

23. r                    - head of own ship’s vector (e → r), first plotted position of the
target   (M1)
24. r¹                   - head of own ship’s vector after the alteration of course and speed
(e → r¹)
25. e → m           - target vector, target true course, target speed and distance
actually traveled

    26.  e → r           - own ship’s initial vector, own ship true course, own speed and
the distance traveled

27. r → m           - relative motion vector

28. e → r¹           - own ship’s final vector after alteration of course or speed, (NOC,
NOS)

   29.  M1                   - first plotted position of the target (r)

   30.  M2, M3            - later or final plotted position of the target (m)

   31.  BOT                 - Bearing of Own ship from the Target.

   32.  TAN (Target Angle) - is the relative bearing of own ship from the target, an
angle measured from T/co to BOT , 000° - 360° (clockwise).

33.  TAS (Target Aspect)    - angle presented by the target from own ship, an
angle measured from T/co. to BOT ,port (counter clockwise), starboard (clockwise).

34.  Tr                    - time at r

35.  Tm                   - time at m            

36.  TMx              - time at Mx

37.  r → m           - ( DRM, SRM ) distance, speed and direction of the relative
motion, on the vector triangle.

38.  e → r            - ( O/C, O/S) distance, speed and course or direction of own ship,
on the vector triangle.

39.  e → m  -          ( T/Co, T/Spd) target course or direction, speed and distance on
the vector triangle.

40.  r¹ → m          - (NDRM, NSRM) new direction, speed and distance of new
relative motion, on the vector triangle.

41. e → r¹           - (NOC,NOS) new own course or direction, speed and distance of
own ship, on the vector triangle.

Calculate the distance, time, and speed used in radar plotting:

formula:   D = S x T ÷ 60           T = D ÷ S x 60            S = D ÷ T x 60      

 Contents of radar plotting sheet:   

1.    Compass rose                                         

2.    Dist. Scales- (3, 6 , 12, 24 nm)

3.    Speed Scale                                          

4.    Logarithmic Scale- (Distance, Time, Speed)

 
Relative and true bearings:

Relative Bearings - are bearings or directions based from the fore and aft line of a
vessel, port or starboard.

True Bearings - are bearings based on the true north

Finding: DRM, BCPA, RCPA, SRM, and TCPA

1. Label R at the center of your plotting sheet to indicate your own ship position,
plot OC and take note OS.
2. Plot the target, bearing and distance:
a. a. For the first target observation, make a straight line from R to the given
bearing, spread the divider on the distance scale at the given distance,
without changing the leg of compass divider transfer the one leg at R and
the other indicate the distance along the bearing line, mark a dot and label
r.
b. b. For the second target observation, the same procedure as the first,
make a dot.
c. c. The same procedure also for third observation, make a dot and label m.

Note: if there are only two target observations; the first observation is the r and the
second observation is the  “ m ”

3. Construct the RML: Draw a straight line from r to m make it long and end it an
arrow and label RML.
4. Determine the DRM: Bring the RML at R and towards the direction of the arrow
read the DRML at the compass rose and label it.  
5. Construct the BCPA