COLREGS

The vessel that has the other on its starboard side shall give way — Rule 15. It shall avoid crossing ahead of the stand-on vessel. The stand-on vessel shall maintain course and speed — Rule 17 — but may act as soon as it is apparent the give-way vessel is not acting — 17(a)(ii) — and must act when collision can no longer be avoided by the give-way vessel alone — 17(b). If acting, she should not alter to port for a vessel on her own port side — 17(c).

Proceed at safe speed adapted to the circumstances with engines ready for immediate manoeuvre. There is no stand-on or give-way vessel — every vessel manoeuvres. If close-quarters is developing with a radar-detected vessel, take avoiding action in ample time, avoiding an alteration to port for a vessel forward of the beam (other than a vessel being overtaken) and an alteration towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam — 19(d). On hearing a fog signal apparently forward of the beam, reduce to the minimum speed at which course can be kept, if necessary take all way off — 19(e).

A vessel engaged in fishing other than trawling — Rule 26(c). "Red over white, fishing tonight; green over white, trawling tonight." If her outlying gear extends more than 150 metres, she shows an all-round white light in the direction of the gear. Full answer formula: type, making way or not from sidelights/sternlight, aspect — and her fog signal would be one prolonged plus two short blasts every two minutes.

A rapid ringing of the bell for about 5 seconds at intervals of not more than one minute — Rule 35(g). Vessels 100m or more also sound a gong aft immediately after the bell. Vessels aground sound the bell signal preceded and followed by three separate and distinct strokes of the bell.

Two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast — indicating intention to overtake on the starboard side (Rule 34(c)(i)). If you agree and it is safe to proceed, you respond with one prolonged, one short, one prolonged, one short blast. If you are in doubt, you sound five or more short blasts.

Neither vessel is give-way or stand-on — we are not in sight of one another, so Section II does not apply. This is Rule 19. Close-quarters is developing, so I take avoiding action in ample time: a bold alteration to starboard — avoiding an alteration to port for a vessel forward of the beam, 19(d)(i) — and/or a reduction in speed. Engines ready for immediate manoeuvre, sounding my fog signal, plotting continuously until she is finally past and clear, and calling the Master if in any doubt.

Still the overtaking vessel. Rule 13(d): no subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels shall make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel, or relieve her of the duty of keeping clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear. And by 13(c), if there had been any doubt whether I was overtaking, I assume I am and keep clear.

Rule 9(d) — I shall not cross if my crossing would impede her passage. The not-to-impede obligation means taking early action to allow sufficient sea-room — Rule 8(f)(i) — before any risk of collision develops. If risk of collision nevertheless arises, I am not relieved of my obligation — 8(f)(ii) — and both vessels remain bound by the steering and sailing rules — 8(f)(iii). She may sound at least five short and rapid blasts if she is in doubt of my intentions — Rule 34(d).