COLREGs · Rule 5
Look-out
TL;DR
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions, so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and risk of collision.
Why it shows up on the exam
The shortest rule in the book and the single most-cited fault in collision investigations. Expect at least one direct question.
Authoritative source
- 33 CFR §83.05— verbatim Inland Rule text (US Code of Federal Regulations)
- International COLREGs Rule 5 verbatim text is published by the IMO. The Inland counterpart 33 CFR §83 chunk above mirrors the international wording almost verbatim.
Inland parallel
Inland Rule 5 — Look-out →More from Part B-I — Conduct in Any Visibility
Related drills
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