Rule text#
Source
The international COLREGs text is published by the IMO and is not available to reproduce here. Shown below is the U.S. counterpart, 33 CFR §83.05, which tracks the international wording closely.
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 of the 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#
Source links checked against the current public rule corpus on 2026-05-16.
- 33 CFR §83.05 — the section this text comes from, with its neighbours.
- International COLREGs Rule 5 verbatim text is published by the IMO and is authoritative for international waters.
Practice this rule#
One real exam question on this rule, cited to source. No sign-up.
A proper look-out must be maintained ______.
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