In what situation might a vessel need to depart from the Rules?

A vessel may need to depart from the Rules primarily to avoid a collision. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) are designed to promote safe navigation and ensure that vessels adhere to certain protocols. However, the foremost priority in maritime navigation is the safety of life at sea, which can necessitate taking actions outside the standard rules when a situation demands it.

For example, if two vessels are on a collision course and the driver of one vessel realizes they cannot comply with the specific navigational rules in time to avert a collision, they must take immediate and decisive action. This action might involve altering their course or speed in order to avoid the collision, even if such actions technically deviate from established rules.

In contrast, the other scenarios presented do not typically warrant departing from the Rules. Routine maneuvers are generally conducted within the framework of established navigation regulations. Being in a safe harbor normally indicates that the vessel is at rest and not in danger, so there’s no immediate need to deviate from the Rules. Lastly, at scheduled docking times, vessels can plan and coordinate their movements according to the Rules to ensure safety and efficiency. Therefore, the critical situation that directly requires a vessel to prioritize safety over regulations is when avoiding