Responsibility
In plain language
Nothing in these Rules exonerates any vessel, owner, master or crew from the consequences of neglecting the Rules or of neglecting any precaution required by the ordinary practice of seamen or the special circumstances of the case. A departure from the Rules is allowed where necessary to avoid immediate danger.
Full text of Rule 2
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.
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.
Reproduced from the COLREGs 1972 (as amended) for study. Always verify against the official IMO publication.
Key points
- 1
Rule 2(a) — the general prudential rule: good seamanship still applies.
- 2
Rule 2(b) — depart from the Rules when it is necessary to avoid immediate danger.
- 3
The Rules never excuse an avoidable collision.