Look-out
In plain language
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances, so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
Full text of 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.
Reproduced from the COLREGs 1972 (as amended) for study. Always verify against the official IMO publication.
Key points
- 1
Look-out is continuous — sight, hearing, radar, AIS and every available means.
- 2
A look-out must be able to give full attention; the helmsman is not automatically the look-out.
- 3
Failure to keep a proper look-out is the most cited cause in collision cases.