IALACOLREG
View your progress
2

Responsibility

Assess navigation and collision dangers and vessel limitations. Departure from a rule may be necessary only to avoid immediate danger; no departure is prescribed here.

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.

a
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.
b
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.

IMO COLREG 1972Official text

Full wording of the rule, reproduced from the official source below.

(a) 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 seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case. (b) 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.
Source:
2(a)Duty layered on top of the rules
When
Always — every voyage, every situation.
What it says
(a) 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 seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.
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)Departure necessary to avoid immediate danger
When
Only when an immediate danger requires it.
What it says
(b) 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.
What it demands
Consider all dangers of navigation and collision, the special circumstances and the limitations of the vessels involved. Departure must be necessary to avoid immediate danger.
Typical failure
Treating 2(b) as a routine excuse to break the steering rules.

STCW Bridge Watch Lens

Rules 4–10 apply in any visibility.

Rules 11–18 apply to vessels in sight of one another; Rule 19 applies to vessels not in sight when navigating in or near an area of 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.

For vessels in sight, every overtaking vessel keeps clear until finally past and clear.

Rule 13 takes precedence over Part B Sections I and II; it does not override the other Parts of COLREG.

Key Takeaways

1

COLREGs compliance alone does not exempt from responsibility

2

Good seamanship may require actions beyond the rules

3

Departure from rules is permitted to avoid immediate danger

4

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

Test Your Knowledge

Practise this topic and review the explanation for each answer.

Last reviewed:

Frequently asked questions about COLREG Rule 2

What does COLREG Rule 2 say about responsibility?

Nothing in these Rules exonerates any vessel, or her owner, master or crew, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with the Rules or of the neglect of any precaution required by the ordinary practice of seamanship, or by the special circumstances of the case (Rule 2(a)).

Can a vessel depart from the COLREGs to avoid immediate danger?

Yes. Rule 2(b) requires due regard 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.

Does good seamanship require more than following the COLREGs?

Yes. Rule 2 makes a vessel answerable for neglecting any precaution required by the ordinary practice of seamanship, so compliance with the Rules alone does not relieve her of responsibility. Blindly following the Rules without considering the specific situation is the classic Rule 2 failure.