Rule 8 — Action to Avoid Collision

33 CFR §83.02

§ 83.02 § 83.02 Responsibility (Rule 2). (a) Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master, or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case. (b) In construing and complying with these Rules due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.

33 CFR §83.05

§ 83.05 § 83.05 Look-out (Rule 5). 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 §83.08

§ 83.08 § 83.08 Action to avoid collision (Rule 8). (a) Any action taken to avoid collision shall be taken in accordance with the Rules of this subpart (Rules 4-19) (§§ 83.04 through 83.19) and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be positive, made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship. (b) Any alteration of course and/or speed to avoid collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or by radar; a succession of small alterations of course and/or speed should be avoided. (c) If there is sufficient sea room, alteration of course alone may be the most effective action to avoid a close-quarters situation provided that it is made in good time, is substantial and do…

33 CFR §83.11

§ 83.11 § 83.11 Application (Rule 11). Rules 11 through 18 (§§ 83.11 through 83.18) apply to vessels in sight of one another.

33 CFR §83.12

§ 83.12 § 83.12 Sailing vessels (Rule 12). (a) When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows: (i) When each has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other. (ii) When both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward. (iii) If a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or on the starboard side, she shall keep out of the way of the other. (b) For the purpose of this Rule, the windward side shall be deemed to be the side opposi…

33 CFR §83.15

§ 83.15 § 83.15 Crossing situation (Rule 15). (a) When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Rule, on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or water specified by the Secretary, a power-driven vessel crossing a river shall keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel ascending or descending the river.