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George at Sea Master Mariner, Author of COLREGS made simple for cadets and OOW. Real bridge decisions, no confusion. Avoid mistakes before they happen. Get the guide below

COLREGs: Overtaking, Head‑on, Crossing situations 👉 Remember these three rules, avoid collision 💥
16/09/2026

COLREGs: Overtaking, Head‑on, Crossing situations
👉 Remember these three rules, avoid collision 💥

Cadet — imagine this: no courses, no bearings, just speculation.Where could this place be? Which COLREGS apply? Even wit...
16/09/2026

Cadet — imagine this: no courses, no bearings, just speculation.

Where could this place be? Which COLREGS apply?

Even without exact data, daily navigation life resonates with these rules — because hesitation or confusion still leads to collision.

🚢

Scenario: The Crossing SurpriseTwo vessels — a cargo vessel and a tanker — are on collision courses. Hypothetically, bot...
15/09/2026

Scenario: The Crossing Surprise

Two vessels — a cargo vessel and a tanker — are on collision courses.

Hypothetically, both OOWs are busy: one monitoring cargo transfer readiness, the other distracted by secondary duties.

The lookout reported, both vessel bearings are steady, ranges are closing.

Later on both OOW realize they are in a crossing situation and dangerously close…

Both OOWs are caught off guard. Instead of acting early, they hesitate, waiting for the other to move first.

Within minutes, the vessels are side‑by‑side — steel against steel, lives at risk.

Which rules should have been applied in order to prevent this unfortunate situation?

Failure to apply Rule 7 (Risk of Collision): Bearings were steady, but neither OOW assessed early enough.

Failure to act under Rule 16 (Give‑Way Vessel): The vessel with the other on her starboard side should have taken early, substantial action.

Failure of Rule 17 (Stand‑On Vessel): The stand‑on vessel hesitated instead of maintaining course and speed, then acting when the give‑way vessel failed.

Human error + technical distraction: Both OOWs were reactive, not proactive.?

✅ What Should Have Been Done

Early assessment (Rule 7): Plot bearings, confirm risk of collision before it becomes urgent.

Decisive action (Rule 16): The give‑way vessel should have altered course boldly and early — not small, but large changes.

Maintain clarity (Rule 17): The stand‑on vessel should hold but be ready to act if the give‑way vessel fails.

Bridge discipline: No distractions. COLREGs obligations come before anything else or assumptions.

Share your opinion 👇.

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This photo does not depict a real situation. It is AI‑generated for learning and informational purposes only.

You’re OOW on a cargo vessel in open waters.Radar shows a tanker crossing from starboard, steady bearing, range closing....
15/09/2026

You’re OOW on a cargo vessel in open waters.
Radar shows a tanker crossing from starboard, steady bearing, range closing.

Close quarter and Collision developed because of not following these:

• Rule 7: Bearings are steady — risk of collision confirmed.
• Rule 15: Crossing situation — you must give way to the vessel on your starboard.
• Rule 16: The give‑way vessel must act early and decisively.
• Rule 8: Maneuver must be clear — a small, late alteration is unsafe.
• Rule 17: As stand‑on, you keep course and speed, but if the give‑way fails, you must act to avoid collision.

You hesitate, waiting for the tanker to maneuver. It doesn’t. The crossing vessel closes in. With no early action, you’re boxed in — collision risk is now unavoidable.

Failing to connect Rules 7, 8, 15, 16, and 17 creates the perfect storm. Even as stand‑on, responsibility remains. Seamanship means mastering the chain, not just one rule.

What actions you should have taken?
Comment below

You’re OOW navigating in coastal waters at clear weather.Visual bearing shows a container ship crossing from starboard, ...
14/09/2026

You’re OOW navigating in coastal waters at clear weather.

Visual bearing shows a container ship crossing from starboard, decreasing bearing, range closing. BCR and. CPA is wide.

👉 What Rules that govern this situation?

Challenge for Cadets/OOWs:
“If you were the OOW here, what would you do?

Comment your action plan below 👇

🚨 The tanker observes the container ship crossing from starboard.👉 The relative bearing is decreasing from starboard to ...
13/09/2026

🚨 The tanker observes the container ship crossing from starboard.

👉 The relative bearing is decreasing from starboard to port — this indicates the vessel will what?

Which rule did you use to assess the scenario?
What COLREGs situation were you into?

What’s your move?

Comment your answer below. 👇

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