Rule text#
Source
Verbatim 33 CFR §83.05 as published in the Code of Federal Regulations — public domain, retrieved 2026-05-16.
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.
- The Inland Navigation Rules are codified at 33 CFR Part 83 and are public domain. The international COLREGs text is published separately by the IMO.
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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