COLREG - Rule 8 - Action To Avoid Collision

COLREGs Rule 8, Action to avoid collision, explained clause by clause with true-to-scale animation from the bridge, on the radar and from above. How do you avoid a collision at sea — when to act, how much to alter course, and how to know it worked? Rule 7 decides whether risk of collision exists. Rule 8 sets the standard for the action itself. In this video we go through the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs / IRPCS) Rule 8 paragraph by paragraph: (a) positive action, in ample time, in accordance with the steering and sailing rules; (b) an alteration of course and/or speed large enough to be readily apparent visually and on radar — and why a succession of small alterations should be avoided; (c) alteration of course alone when there is sufficient sea room, without creating another close-quarters situation; (d) passing at a safe distance and checking the effectiveness of the action until the other vessel is finally past and clear; (e) slackening speed, stopping or reversing to avoid collision or gain time; (f) the duty not to impede in narrow channels and traffic separation schemes, and why a vessel not to be impeded still has to follow the steering rules. 0:00 Rule 8 — Action to avoid collision 0:17 (a) Positive, in ample time, in accordance with the Rules 1:17 (b) Large enough to be readily apparent 2:17 (c) Alteration of course alone, with sufficient sea room 3:01 (d) Pass at a safe distance — check until past and clear 3:51 (e) Slacken speed, stop or reverse 4:22 (f)(i) Not to impede — take early action 5:19 (f)(ii) Approaching too late — the duty does not disappear 6:17 (f)(iii) Not to be impeded is not a right of way ⚠️ For general information and entertainment purposes only — not a substitute for the official COLREG text, approved training or professional advice. #COLREGs #Rule8 #Seamanship