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Amendments to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972

Amendments to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972

Amendments to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 1
Amendments to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972

Amendments to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs) are the global standards that regulate the movement of ships at sea. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) regularly updates these regulations to ensure that they keep pace with the changing nature of maritime operations. In this article, we will discuss the recent amendments to the COLREGs that concern the use of Wing-In-Ground (WIG) craft.

Introduction

The amendments to the COLREGs were adopted by the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) in June 2019. They came into force on January 1, 2021, and are mandatory for all ships that are flying the flag of a state that has ratified the COLREGs. The amendments concern the rules that govern the use of WIG craft, which are a type of vessel that operates in close proximity to the surface of the water by utilizing surface-effect action.

Rule 3

Paragraph (a) of Rule 3 has been amended to include non-displacement craft, WIG craft, and seaplanes in the definition of the word “vessel.” A new paragraph (m) has been added to define the term “Wing-In-Ground (WIG) craft” as a multimodal craft that flies in close proximity to the surface by utilizing surface-effect action.

Rule 8

Paragraph (a) of Rule 8 has been amended to emphasize the need for positive action to avoid collisions. The action should be taken in accordance with the rules of this part and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship.

Rule 18

A new paragraph (f) has been added to Rule 18. It requires WIG craft to keep well clear of all other vessels and avoid impeding their navigationl when taking off, landing, or in flight near the surface. WIG craft operating on the water surface are required to comply with the rules of this part as a power-driven vessel.

Rule 23

A new paragraph (c) has been added to Rule 23. It requires WIG craft, only when taking off, landing, and in flight near the surface, to exhibit a high-intensity all-round flashing red light in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this rule.

Rule 31

Rule 31 has been amended to allow seaplanes or WIG craft to exhibit lights and shapes that are closely similar in characteristics and position to those prescribed in the rules of this part when it is impracticable to exhibit the prescribed lights and shapes.

Rule 33

Paragraph (a) of Rule 33 has been amended to require vessels of different lengths to be provided with different types of acoustic signaling equipment. A vessel of 12 meters or more in length must have a whistle, a vessel of 20 meters or more in length must have a bell in addition to a whistle, and a vessel of 100 meters or more in length must have a gong in addition to a bell. The tone and sound of the gong cannot be confused with that of the bell. The bell or gong or both may be replaced by other equipment having the same respective sound characteristics, provided that manual sounding of the required signals is always possible.

Rule 35

A new paragraph (i) has been added to Rule 35. It exempts vessels of 12 meters or more but less than 20 meters in length from giving the bell signals prescribed in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this rule. However, if such a vessel does not give the prescribed signals, it must make some other efficient sound.

Conclusion

continue writing please Amendments to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972″

The recent amendments to the COLREGs that concern the use of Wing-In-Ground (WIG) craft reflect the need to keep these regulations up to date with the latest developments in maritime operations. WIG craft are a relatively new type of vessel that operate in close proximity to the surface of the water by utilizing surface-effect action. As such, they require specific rules and regulations to ensure safe and effective operation.

The amendments that have been made to the COLREGs regarding WIG craft are significant. They affect several key rules that govern the movement of vessels at sea, including Rule 3, Rule 8, Rule 18, Rule 23, Rule 31, and Rule 35.

Rule 3 has been amended to include WIG craft in the definition of a vessel, recognizing them as a distinct type of vessel that requires specific regulation. This change ensures that WIG craft are subject to the same rules and regulations as other vessels, but with specific provisions that reflect their unique mode of operation.

Rule 8 has been amended to emphasize the need for positive action to avoid collisions. This change recognizes the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent collisions and highlights the need for good seamanship.

Rule 18 has been amended to include specific provisions for WIG craft, requiring them to keep well clear of other vessels and avoid impeding their navigation when taking off, landing, or in flight near the surface. This change reflects the unique nature of WIG craft and recognizes the need for specific rules to ensure their safe operation.

Rule 23 has been amended to require WIG craft, only when taking off, landing, and in flight near the surface, to exhibit a high-intensity all-round flashing red light in addition to the lights prescribed in the rule. This change ensures that WIG craft are visible to other vessels and helps to prevent collisions.

Rule 31 has been amended to allow seaplanes or WIG craft to exhibit lights and shapes that are closely similar in characteristics and position to those prescribed in the rules of this part when it is impracticable to exhibit the prescribed lights and shapes. This change recognizes the unique design of WIG craft and allows for greater flexibility in their use.

Rule 33 has been amended to require vessels of different lengths to be provided with different types of acoustic signaling equipment. This change ensures that vessels are equipped with appropriate signaling equipment to prevent confusion and promote safety.

Finally, Rule 35 has been amended to exempt vessels of 12 meters or more but less than 20 meters in length from giving the bell signals prescribed in the rule. This change recognizes the specific needs of smaller vessels and ensures that they are subject to appropriate regulations.

In conclusion, the amendments to the COLREGs that concern the use of Wing-In-Ground (WIG) craft reflect the need to keep these regulations up to date with the latest developments in maritime operations. These changes recognize the unique nature of WIG craft and provide specific rules to ensure their safe operation. By ensuring that WIG craft are subject to appropriate regulations, these amendments help to promote safety and prevent collisions at sea.

FAQs

  1. What is a Wing-In-Ground (WIG) craft? A WIG craft is a multimodal vessel that flies in close proximity to the surface of the water by utilizing surface-effect action.
  2. When did the amendments to the COLREGs come into force? The amendments to the COLREGs came into force on January 1, 2021.
  3. Why were the amendments to the COLREGs necessary? The amendments to the COLREGs were necessary to ensure that these regulations keep pace with the changing nature of maritime operations, including the use of new types of vessels

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