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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
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Essential Navigational Equipment for COLREGs:1. Radar & ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid)• Detects vessels in all visi...
13/08/2026

Essential Navigational Equipment for COLREGs:

1. Radar & ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid)
• Detects vessels in all visibility conditions.
• ARPA calculates CPA (Closest Point of Approach) and TCPA (Time to CPA).
• Critical for Rules 7 & 8 (risk of collision and action to avoid collision).

2. AIS (Automatic Identification System)
• Provides vessel identity, course, speed, and position.
• Useful for confirming radar targets and identifying traffic in busy waters.
• Supports Rule 5 (proper lookout) but must be cross-checked—AIS data can be wrong.

3. ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System)
• Integrates GPS, radar, AIS, and charts.
• Helps visualize traffic separation schemes, restricted waters, and crossing situations.
• Supports voyage planning and real-time monitoring.

4. Gyro Compass & Magnetic Compass
• Gyro compass gives true heading, unaffected by magnetic deviation.
• Magnetic compass serves as backup.
• Essential for maintaining course and applying COLREGs Rule 8 (alteration of course).

5. Visual Lookout Tools
• Binoculars, bridge wing visibility, and sometimes cameras for blind sectors.
• Rule 5 requires a continuous proper lookout by sight and hearing.

6. Sound Signaling Equipment
• Whistle, bell, and gong for Rule 34 (maneuvering and warning signals).
• Vital in restricted visibility and close-quarter situations.

7. Echo Sounder
• Monitors depth to avoid grounding while maneuvering in collision-avoidance scenarios.

8. Engine & Steering Consoles
• Telegraph, helm, autopilot, and RPM indicators.
• Allow immediate ex*****on of COLREGs-required maneuvers (Rule 8: early and substantial action).

Question: What equipment on the bridge helps you visually confirm the presence of another vessel?

Comment below ⬇️

12/08/2026

When you see a vessel on your starboard bow with risk of collision, Rule 16 makes you the give‑way vessel.

The duty is to act early and substantially, not wait for CPA to shrink or for VHF confirmation. COLREGS don’t require negotiation — clarity comes from decisive maneuvers.

Officers know hesitation is dangerous, bold action is safe. Follow for COLREGS clarity or get the Simple Guide in bio.

Crossing situations test seamanship and decision-making. Under Rule 15, the vessel with the other on her starboard side ...
11/08/2026

Crossing situations test seamanship and decision-making.

Under Rule 15, the vessel with the other on her starboard side must alter course and speed to avoid collision.

For cadets and OOWs, mastering this rule isn’t just about passing exams—it’s about protecting lives and cargo at sea.

Share your nearmiss or accident stories during your time on board…


11/08/2026

Rule 17 governs the stand‑on vessel.

The duty is to maintain course and speed, but cadets must remember: this is not a license to wait passively. If the give‑way vessel fails to act, the stand‑on vessel must maneuver to avoid collision.

Examiners often test this trap — “What if the other vessel does nothing?”

The answer: Rule 17 requires you to act when necessary. Stand‑on means responsible, not rigid. Follow for COLREGS clarity or get the Simple Guide in bio.

10/08/2026

Rule 16 governs the give‑way vessel in crossing situations.

The duty is to do so early and substantially. Cadets often fail exams by hesitating, thinking CPA is wide enough.

Decisive maneuvers show intent and reduce risk. Officers know: hesitation is dangerous, bold action is safe.

Follow for COLREGS clarity or get the Simple Guide in bio.

09/08/2026

Navigation watch challenges test every cadet and officer.

Heavy weather demands seamanship, traffic separation schemes require discipline, and high‑density traffic tests judgment.

But the most dangerous trap is hesitation — waiting too long to act. COLREGS provide the framework, but bridge logic and confidence make the difference.

Follow for more COLREGS clarity or get the Simple Guide in bio to sharpen your watch skills.

08/08/2026

Before applying COLREGS, cadets must know orientation terms.

The bow is the front, the stern is the rear.

Port is the left side when facing forward, starboard is the right. Head‑on means vessels meeting on reciprocal courses.

Abaft the beam refers to angles behind the widest part of the ship, which defines overtaking situations.

These basics are the foundation of COLREGS — without them, cadets risk confusion in exams and on watch. Follow for more COLREGS hacks or get the Simple Guide in bio.

🚢 Angle defines authority at sea. The overtaking vessel must keep clear—Rule 13 isn’t optional, it’s a rule.Every maneuv...
07/08/2026

🚢 Angle defines authority at sea. The overtaking vessel must keep clear—Rule 13 isn’t optional, it’s a rule.

Every maneuver speaks of discipline and respect for COLREGs. ⚓

👉 Follow for more maritime safety insights, COLREGs breakdowns, and real‑world seamanship lessons. Share to keep our oceans safer! 🌊

07/08/2026

Rule 15 governs crossing situations, and cadets must remember that waiting too long is dangerous.

Even if CPA looks acceptable, risk of collision still exists if bearings remain steady.

A slight change in angle can quickly reduce CPA, leaving no time to maneuver.

Examiners test this trap to see if cadets understand that early action is safer than hesitation. Officers rely on bridge logic: act early, monitor bearings, and never assume CPA alone guarantees safety.

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