DELA VEGA

COLREGS

Explain the right actions between give-way vessels and stand-on vessels during
overtaking, head-on and crossing situation, the responsibilities of ships, and the escape
actions during navigation in restricted visibility with Rule 13, Rule 14, Rule 15, Rule 16,
Rule 17, Rule 18, and Rule 19.

Collisions at sea are a major concern, and the International Regulations for Preventing
Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) provide clear guidelines on how vessels should behave to avoid
them. These regulations define specific actions for stand-on vessels (those with the right of
way) and give-way vessels (those that must maneuver to avoid collision) in various encounter
situations. During an overtaking situation (Rule 13), the vessel being overtaken (stand-on)
maintains course and speed, while the overtaking vessel (give-way) must stay well clear and
avoid maneuvers that could cause danger. In a head-on situation (Rule 14), both vessels are
considered stand-on and must alter course to starboard (right) to pass clear. For crossing
situations (Rule 15), the vessel that has the other vessel on its starboard side (give-way) must
stay out of the way of the other vessel (stand-on) and avoid crossing ahead. However, the
stand-on vessel can still take action to avoid a collision if necessary. Regardless of their role
(stand-on or give-way), all vessels have general responsibilities under COLREGs (Rules 15, 16,
17). These include proceeding at a safe speed to avoid collision, using all available means to
detect other vessels (radar, lookout), and taking timely and appropriate action to avoid a
collision. In situations of doubt, vessels should assume the other is not taking avoiding action.
When navigating in restricted visibility (Rule 19), all vessels must exercise extreme caution
and reduce speed to a safe level based on the limitations of visibility. They must also use
sound signals effectively and be prepared to stop the vessel or navigate with extreme caution
to avoid collision. If a collision appears unavoidable despite following the above rules (Rule
18), both vessels must take all available actions to minimize the impact or even reverse
engines if necessary. Additionally, communication between vessels can be crucial, especially
in situations of limited visibility. By following these COLREGs guidelines and using good
judgment, captains can significantly reduce the risk of collisions at sea and ensure the safety
of their crew, passengers, and cargo.

Explain the application of the rules concerning Lights and Shapes in accordance with
Rule 20, the characteristics and range of visibility of lights, the application in all weather
conditions in accordance with Rule 21 and Rule 22.

Rule 20 sets the stage: It states that the following rules concerning lights and shapes must be
followed in all weather conditions (important for maintaining visibility even in storms).
Additionally, during nighttime (sunset to sunrise), all vessels must exhibit the prescribed
lights and no other lights that could be mistaken for them or hinder proper lookout. However,
exceptions are allowed for lights that are so weak or positioned that they cannot be
confused with the required lights and don't interfere with keeping a good lookout. Rule 21
defines the meaning of various lights: This rule provides a dictionary for the different lights
used at sea, explaining what each light signifies (e.g., masthead light for a vessel underway,
sidelights to indicate port and starboard sides). Rule 22 sets the visibility standards: It
specifies the minimum range at which the different prescribed lights must be visible. This
ensures that vessels can see each other from adequate distances to avoid collisions,
especially at night. For example, larger vessels (50 meters or more) must have a masthead
light visible for at least 6 miles, while smaller vessels (between 12 and 20 meters) need a
masthead light visible for at least 3 miles. By following these rules, vessels create a
standardized system of visual signals at sea, allowing them to identify each other, understand
their intentions (moving vs. anchored), and ultimately avoid collisions regardless of weather
conditions or time of day.

Explain the lights and shapes carried by the different type of vessels and the operation
or circumstances signified by them in accordance with Rule 23, Rule 24, Rule 25,
Rule 26, Rule 27, Rule 28, Rule 29, Rule 30, and Rule 31.

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) dictate the lights
and shapes vessels must display based on their type, operation, or circumstances (Rules 23-
31). Here's a breakdown: Rule 23 (Power-driven vessels underway): These vessels display
masthead lights (visible from most directions), sidelights (red on port, green on starboard),
and a stern light (white) to show their direction and motion. Rule 24 (Towing and pushing):
Vessels towing another vessel or object (tugboats) use a towing light (yellow) in addition to
the regular lights (masthead, sidelights, stern) to indicate their activity. Rule 25 (Sailing
vessels underway and vessels under oars): Sailing vessels underway display masthead lights
(one white over another colored) and sidelights (red and green) similar to powered vessels.
Vessels propelled solely by oars (like rowboats) typically only use a white all-round light.
Rule 26 (Fishing vessels): Depending on their fishing activity (operating nets, trawling, etc.),
fishing vessels use various combinations of lights to indicate their activity and warn other
vessels. Rule 27 (Vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to maneuver):
Vessels unable to maneuver due to malfunction or limitations (disabled ships) display two
all-round red lights and shapes like balls or cylinders to warn other vessels of their restricted
mobility. Rule 28 (Vessels constrained by their draught): Deep-draft vessels with limited
maneuverability due to their draft (water depth needed to operate) display three all-round
red lights in a vertical line to warn other vessels. Rule 29 (Pilot vessels): Vessels assisting
other ships as pilots (guiding them through specific areas) use a white all-round light and a
flashing white light displayed from the mast to signal their role. Rule 30 (Anchored vessels
and vessels aground): Anchored vessels display a white all-round light, and vessels grounded
(stuck on the seabed) show two all-round red lights and shapes like balls or cones to indicate
their position and potential hazard. Rule 31 (Seaplanes): Seaplanes on the water (taking off
or landing) use a white anchor light and a red light on the left wingtip, similar to anchored
vessels.

SEAM 2

Explain the intact stability requirements and damage stability criterion of a vessel as
per IMO Regulations.

Ensuring Vessel Stability: A Balancing Act

International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations play a crucial role in ensuring a ship's
stability at sea. These regulations address two key aspects: Intact Stability: This focuses on a
ship's ability to resist tipping over (capsizing) under normal operating conditions without any
damage. IMO's International Code on Intact Stability (ICONS) sets specific criteria for factors
like the righting lever curve (a measure of restoring force), initial metacentric height
(resistance to tilting), and area under the righting lever curve. These ensure the ship has
sufficient self-correcting mechanisms to return to an upright position if tilted by wind or
waves. Damage Stability: This addresses the ship's ability to stay afloat and maintain
stability even if its hull is breached due to a collision or grounding. SOLAS Chapter II-1
outlines these requirements. The most common scenario involves a single flooded
compartment, where the regulations mandate the ship to remain afloat with adequate
reserve buoyancy and stability. For certain ship types, regulations may require withstanding
flooding in multiple compartments or the engine room.

Analyze the ship’s stability conditions using the stress tables and Archimedes
Principles of Flotation.

While regulations provide a framework, shipbuilders and operators use various tools to
assess a vessel's stability in detail. Stress Tables: These tables provide information about the
distribution of forces acting on the ship under different loading conditions (cargo, fuel,
passengers). They help determine the center of gravity (G), a crucial factor in stability
calculations. Archimedes' Principle: This principle states that the buoyant force acting on an
object immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. By
applying this principle and considering the ship's geometry and loading, engineers can
calculate its buoyancy and stability characteristics. By combining these tools with IMO
regulations, naval architects and ship operators can ensure a vessel remains stable and safe
throughout its operational life.

NAV 2

Explain the different information found in the nautical charts such as chart projection,
common parts, chart scales, water depths, chart symbols, seabed characteristics, and chart
datum.

Nautical charts are like road maps for the sea, packed with information to ensure safe
navigation. Here's a breakdown of the key details you'll find: Chart Projection: This explains
how the curved surface of the Earth is flattened onto a piece of paper. Different projections
have advantages and disadvantages depending on the area covered by the chart. Common
Parts: Every chart has a title indicating the area it covers, a legend explaining the symbols
used, a compass rose for directional reference, and a graticule with lines of latitude and
longitude for position fixing. Chart Scales: The scale tells you the relationship between the
distance on the chart and the actual distance on the water. Large-scale charts show a
smaller area in greater detail, useful for harbors and coastal navigation. Small-scale charts
cover vast areas with less detail, ideal for planning long voyages. Water Depths: Soundings
(depth measurements) are depicted using numbers or contours. Knowing the water depth is
crucial for avoiding groundings and ensuring safe passage for your vessel. Chart Symbols: A
variety of symbols represent lighthouses, buoys, wrecks, restricted areas, and other
important features on or near the water. Understanding these symbols through the chart
legend is vital for interpreting the information correctly. Seabed Characteristics: The chart
may indicate the bottom composition (sand, mud, rock) using symbols or abbreviations. This
information can be helpful when anchoring your vessel, as different seabed types offer
varying holding power for anchors. Chart Datum: This refers to the vertical reference level
used for water depths on the chart. It's essential to understand the datum used, as different
datums can result in slight variations in depth readings.
Explain the purpose and use of nautical publications such as Admiralty Sailing
Directions, Admiralty Tide Tables, Admiralty List of Radio Signals, Admiralty List of
Lights and Fog Signals, Admiralty Ocean Passages for the World, Admiralty Tidal
Stream Atlases, Nautical Almanac, Distance Tables, and Chart No. 1 Publication.

Nautical publications are essential companions to nautical charts, providing a wealth of

additional information for safe navigation:

Admiralty Sailing Directions: These detailed guides offer comprehensive descriptions of

coastal areas, including ports, harbors, pilotage information (navigational instructions for
entering/exiting harbors), local regulations, and available services. Admiralty Tide Tables:
Predict the times and heights of high and low tides for specific locations. Crucial for planning
navigation in areas with significant tidal variations, ensuring your vessel doesn't get stranded
on the seabed at low tide. Admiralty List of Radio Signals: Lists radio stations along your
route offering weather forecasts, navigational warnings, and critical communication services,
keeping you informed and connected at sea. Admiralty List of Lights and Fog Signals: Details
lighthouses, buoys, and other visual and audible aids to navigation. This publication provides
information on their characteristics (light color, flash pattern, fog signal type), locations, and
ranges of visibility, helping you identify and use these aids effectively. Admiralty Ocean
Passages for the World: Offers invaluable guidance for planning long-distance passages. It
provides information on prevailing winds, currents, potential hazards (like icebergs or reefs),
and recommended routes, optimizing your journey across vast stretches of ocean. Admiralty
Tidal Stream Atlases: Delve deeper into tidal information for specific regions. These atlases
provide detailed predictions on the direction and strength of tidal currents, crucial for
navigating safely in areas with strong currents that can significantly affect your vessel's
course. Nautical Almanac: This publication caters to celestial navigation, providing
astronomical data for determining your position at sea using the sun, moon, planets, and
stars. It includes information on the celestial bodies' positions throughout the year, allowing
for calculations to fix your location even without relying solely on electronic navigation
systems. Distance Tables: List distances between major ports worldwide, a handy tool for
voyage planning. Knowing the distances between ports helps estimate travel times, allowing
for efficient route planning and fuel budgeting. Chart No. 1 Publication (Admiralty NP 5011):
This specific publication holds a unique role. It's not a general reference but rather focuses
on "Symbols and Abbreviations used on Admiralty Charts". By consulting Chart No. 1, you
can ensure you correctly interpret the various symbols and abbreviations used on your
nautical charts, avoiding any potential navigation errors due to misunderstanding the
information presented.

Explain how navigational charts and publications are affected by the Notice to Mariners.

Navigational charts and publications are dynamic resources that require constant updates to
reflect changes at sea. Notices to Mariners (NtMs) act as essential communication tools,
informing mariners about critical new information not yet incorporated into existing charts
or publications. These updates can impact charts and publications in several ways: New
Hazards: NtMs may report newly discovered dangers like reefs, wrecks, or shoals not
previously charted. Mariners need to plot these hazards on their charts using the
information provided in the NtM to ensure safe passage. Changes to Navigation Aids:
Establishment, relocation, or malfunctioning of lighthouses, buoys, or other navigational aids
are often communicated through NtMs. Mariners need to update their charts accordingly to
reflect these changes and avoid relying on outdated information. Restricted Areas: NtMs
may announce the creation or modification of restricted areas where navigation is limited or
prohibited. This could be due to military exercises, environmental protection zones, or
underwater construction activities. Mariners must be aware of these restrictions to avoid
accidentally entering prohibited zones. Tides and Currents: In rare cases, NtMs may provide
temporary corrections to tide tables or tidal stream atlases due to exceptional circumstances.
This ensures mariners have the most up-to-date information for critical tidal and current
predictions. Chart Corrections: Sometimes, NtMs may include specific instructions for
correcting existing charts. This could involve drawing new information directly onto the
chart or replacing outdated chart sections with newly issued ones. By diligently following
NtMs and applying the updates to their charts and publications, mariners can maintain
situational awareness and navigate safely in ever-changing maritime environments.