Responsibility

Ordinary practice of seamen — departing from the rules to avoid immediate danger.

Rule 2 establishes that compliance with the COLREGs does not relieve a vessel of responsibility. The ordinary practice of seamanship and the special circumstances of each case must always be considered.

Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamanship, or by the special circumstances of the case.

In construing and complying with these Rules due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.

2(a)Duty layered on top of the rules

2(b)Escape from the rules

When

Always — every voyage, every situation.

Only when an immediate danger requires it.

What it says

Following COLREG is necessary but not sufficient.

You MAY depart from a rule — temporarily — to avoid the danger.

What it demands

Ordinary practice of seamanship + due regard for the special circumstances of the case.

A real, present danger (not theoretical) and an honest weighing of vessel limitations.

Typical failure

Applying a rule mechanically when good seamanship called for more — and being held responsible anyway.

Treating 2(b) as a routine excuse to break the steering rules.

2(a)Duty layered on top of the rules

When: Always — every voyage, every situation.
What it says: Following COLREG is necessary but not sufficient.
What it demands: Ordinary practice of seamanship + due regard for the special circumstances of the case.
Typical failure: Applying a rule mechanically when good seamanship called for more — and being held responsible anyway.

2(b)Escape from the rules

When: Only when an immediate danger requires it.
What it says: You MAY depart from a rule — temporarily — to avoid the danger.
What it demands: A real, present danger (not theoretical) and an honest weighing of vessel limitations.
Typical failure: Treating 2(b) as a routine excuse to break the steering rules.

STCW Bridge Watch Lens

Decide applicability before manoeuvring: Rules 4-10 apply in any visibility, Rules 11-18 only when vessels are in sight, and Rule 19 governs radar-only encounters in restricted visibility.

Build the traffic picture with sight, hearing, radar/ARPA and chart context.

Do not let AIS or one isolated bearing replace systematic observation.

After manoeuvring, keep monitoring bearing, range, CPA/TCPA and passing distance until the other vessel is finally past and clear.

Exam Focus

Start every scenario by classifying the encounter: overtaking, head-on, crossing, narrow channel, traffic separation, or restricted visibility.

If two rules seem to conflict, check the order carefully: overtaking duties still apply, and Rule 2 still requires ordinary seamanship.

Key Takeaways

COLREGs compliance alone does not exempt from responsibility

Good seamanship may require actions beyond the rules

Departure from rules is permitted to avoid immediate danger

Special circumstances must always be considered

Common Mistakes

Blindly following rules without considering the specific situation

Failing to take additional precautions required by good seamanship

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