Tag: COLREGs

The US Navy is creating a system for its unmanned robotic warships to be able to communicate like human sailors, allowing the ship to safely navigate through waterways. The goal of his technology is to allows human bridge crews to talk with robot ships using normal speech over the worldwide radio system used for ship-to-ship communication.

The UK MAIB analyzed a case of a collision between a Ro-Ro passenger ferry and a motor cruiser, which was linked to insufficient lookout, despite fine weather and good visibility. Even in such conditions, other vessels can be easily missed if nobody is looking out for them, MAIB underlined. 

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued an investigation report on the collision of the fishing vessel 'Polaris' with the tanker 'Tofteviken' in the Atlantic Ocean in May 2018. NTSB identified a poor lookout as key cause of the accident, in breach of COLREGs. 

On 11th February 2015, the Marshall Islands registered oil tanker Alexandra 1 and the United Kingdom registered container ship Ever Smart collided near the entrance to the buoyed approach channel in Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates. The analysis of this collision highlights important key lessons, taking into consideration that both vessels were modern, equipped with advanced systems for navigation & communication and manned with certified experienced crews, under the supervision and guidance of a VTS collided, within Port limits.

As autonomous shipping is gaining more and more ground, it is contended that the present fault-based collision liability regimes of most jurisdictions do not sufficiently cater for the situations that may arise, highlights Lina Wiedenbach, Lawyer at Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein, IUMI Professional Partner.

An Officer of the Watch is responsible for keeping watch on the bridge to ensure the safe navigation of the ship based on a pre-defined Passage plan as approved by Master.  In this regard, the decision making process is vital during his/her watch as the final decisions reflect directly on the safety of the vessel.  

In its latest edition of 'The Navigator', The Nautical Institute explores the importance for ship navigators of always keeping a good lookout by all available means, while maintaining focus and alertness. The most critical piece of equipment on the ship bridge is seafarers' own eyes. Unfortunately this is not always the case, and when a lookout is not maintained, bad things can happen. 

As the issue of shipping automation gains more and more ground in the industry debate, Heather Maxwell, Senior Claims Executive at the Standard P&I Club, analyzed how the regulatory and legal systems will adapt to this changing environment, arguing that the current legal framework does not help the adoption.. 

In its Monthly Safety Scenario for August, the Swedish P&I Club presents a case of ships collision due to restricted visibility as a result from fog. The incident highlighted safety issues related to compliance with COLREGs, on lookout, safe speed and conditions on restricted visibility.

Tests conducted in Australia in 2017 indicate that the EVDS was not recognisable as a distress alert when seen. This reinforces that EVDS devices should not be used instead of a pyrotechnic flare. AMSA reminds that distress signals carried should comply with either the SOLAS or the Australian standard.