COLREGs · Rule 5 · 33 CFR §83.05
Look-out
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.
What does Rule 5 actually say?#
Source
Practice this rule#
One real exam question on this rule, cited to source. No sign-up.
Under both the International and Inland Rules, which statement about the look-out obligation is correct?
Does Inland Rule 5 change anything?#
Inland Rule 5 is 33 CFR §83.05, reproduced above, and carries no exam-relevant divergence from COLREGs Rule 5. One answer serves both the International and the Inland version of a Rules of the Road question on this rule — which is worth knowing precisely because several neighbouring rules do not work that way.
21 of 38 rules differ somewhere; the five the exam leans on are Rule 9, Rule 10, Rule 24, Rule 28 and Rule 34, side by side on Inland vs International Rules.
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.
What does the exam actually test here?#
Two senses, always
Sight AND hearing
The rule names both. A look-out kept only by eye, or a bridge with the windows shut and no one listening, does not satisfy Rule 5 — in fog, hearing another vessel's signal is often the first warning there is.
All available means
Radar, AIS, VHF included
Beyond sight and hearing, the rule requires all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances. If the vessel carries operational radar, using it is part of keeping a proper look-out, not an optional extra.
The purpose
Full appraisal of risk
The standard is not 'someone was on watch'. It is a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision. That is why Rule 5 is the most-cited fault in collision investigations.
Rule 5 — common exam questions#
What does Rule 5 require?
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 (33 CFR §83.05).
Can radar replace a look-out?
No. Radar is one of the 'all available means' the rule requires in addition to sight and hearing, not a substitute for either.
Are small vessels exempt from Rule 5?
No. Rule 5 says every vessel at all times, with no exemption for length, and unlike many light and sound rules it carries no size threshold.
When does the look-out requirement apply?
At all times. Rule 5 sits within the Rule 4 block, so it applies in any condition of visibility, day or night, underway or at anchor.
Authoritative source#
- 33 CFR §83.05 — this section with its neighbours. 33 CFR Part 83 is public domain; checked 2026-05-16.
- COLREGs Rule 5 is published by the IMO and is authoritative internationally.
Practise this rule against the real exam.
Real exam questions. No signup, no card.
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