When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel. 1
Rule 15 is part of Section II Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another When not in sight of one another (in restricted visibility), Rule 19 applies 2
Application Rule 15 Only applies to two power-driven vessels crossing. Rule 15 does not apply to: Two sailing vessels A sailing vessel and a power-driven vessel A power-driven vessel and a hampered vessel such as: a vessel not under command a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre a vessel constrained by her draught a vessel engaged in fishing 3
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Crossing situation Vessels are near one another so that there is risk of collision Vessel is between half a compass point ahead to two compass points abaft the beam Vessel s courses cross one another. 5
Crossing sector The crossing sector is nearly equal to the sector of the starboard sidelight. Crossing sector From half a compass point ahead to two compass points abaft the beam Your vessel is the give wayvessel. Any vessel in sight in that sector and crossing is a standon vessel 6
Action to be taken Rule 15 does not say which action should be taken by the give-way vessel It only says that the give-way vessel should keep out of the way and recommends not to cross ahead of the stand-on vessel Stand-on vessel Give-way vessel 7
Recommended action Give way vessel should alter course to starboard to pass behind stand-on vessel Give one short blast on whistle Stand-on vessel should keep her course and speed (Abt.) Danger sector of abt. 112,5 Stand-on vessel Give-way vessel 8
Recommended action 9
Recommended action 10
Recommended action As seen from the bridge 11
Recommended action Own vessel alters course to starboard to pass astern of other vessel 12
Recommended action Other vessel is now on port side and clear 13
Recommended action MESSINA STRAIT The ferry is altering to starboard to pass astern of the containership 14
Alternative action Avoid Crossing ahead of the other vessel Apply a course alteration to port only for a vessel approaching from near the starboard beam. Apply a course alteration to starboard for a vessel approaching ahead of the starboard beam 15
Alternative action If passing astern is impossible Reduce speed, possibly stop and reverse engines (sound three short blasts) OR Alter course to port to follow a parallel course OR Make a complete turning circle to port 16
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Alternative action Avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel In a crossing situation, it is not an obligation to alter the course to starboard alter to Sb: not enough room reduce speed: not easy if engine on «engine control» Ship A must giveway: alter course to Sb? Not advised reduce speed alter to port untill B is passed and clear turn to port: interesting if speed of B much bigger than speed of A A B 18
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Alternative action «avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel» Ship A must giveway: EMERGENCY another possibility is to make a 360 turn to port A B 20
Alternative action Give-way vessel had to make a 360 turn to port 21
Safe distance This is a good distance at which to keep out of the way when there is risk of collision travelpod.com 22
Safe distance On the open sea, this is definitely NOT a safe passing distance 23 green.autoblog.com
Safe distance Passing too close or taking action too late will inevitably lead to a collision 24 cclausen.netship.com
Safe distance No comments 25 gcaptain.com
Special situations In normal conditions this is not considered as a safe passing distance 26
Special situations 1. The hoovercraft is much faster than the power-driven vessel proceeding at dead slow ahead 2. This is a narrow channel where it is normal for ships to pass closer to each other 27
Special situations Again, the big difference of speed between the hoovercraft and the power-driven vessel justifies the manoeuvre 28
Special situations Here, the distance between the two vessels is a safe distance 29
DANGEROUS SITUATION The coaster is not complying with Rule 15 30
DANGEROUS SITUATION Due to the closeness of the coaster and the presence of deck cargo, the OOW hardly sees the vessel ahead 31
Other vessels Rule 15 must also be complied between two vessels engaged in fishing 32
Narrow channel A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway If a risk of collision develops between a crossing vessel coming from starboard and a vessel navigating within the channel, the latter must comply with rule 15 and give way. (The same applies to a TSS) Rule 15 does not relieve the crossing vessel of her obligation not to impede 33
Remarks When an alteration of course is made to avoid risk of collision, this alteration should be substantial (especially for a vessel approaching from abeam or near) Large alterations of course (40 to 60 or more) are rapidly noticed visually and on the radar Avoid small alterations of courses (about 5 ). These are usually mistaken for the yawing of the vessel. A change of speed is not a favorite manœuvre for many seamen but can prove very useful in many situation It is safer to pass another vessel too far than too close It is usually safer to turn away from a vessel than going nearer to it Do not hesitate to make the required sound signals Use your AIS and make proper use of your VHF if necessary 34
A breach of the Rules 1 Vessel A is the give-way vessel and should avoid crossing ahead of vessel B B A 35
A breach of the Rules 2 Vessel A choses to alter course to port and increases her speed in order to pass ahead of B 36
A breach of the Rules The CPA between the two vessels in situation 3 is about 0,5 mile 3 Is this a safe passing distance? It is certainly not a good avoiding action 37