Inland · Rule 5
Look-out
Last verified: 2026-05-16
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
Source links checked against the current public rule corpus on 2026-05-16.
International parallel
COLREGs Rule 5 — Look-out →More from Part B-I — Conduct in Any Visibility
Related drills
Drill Inland Rule 5
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