Glossary of Nautical Terms - My Sailing Course

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 10: Traffic Separation Schemes This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the Organization and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 11: Application Rules in this Section apply to vessels in sight of one another. Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 12: Sailing vessels When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 13: Overtaking Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules of Part B, Sections I and II, any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 14: Head-on situation When two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision each shall alter her(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 15: Crossing situation When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 16: Action by give-way vessel Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep(...) Read more

Rule 17: Action by stand-on vessel (Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way the other shall keep her course and speed.The latter vessel may however take action to(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 17: Action by stand-on vessel Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way the other shall keep her course and speed. The latter vessel may however take action to(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 18: Responsibilities between vessels Except where Rules 9, 10 and 13 otherwise require: A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of: a vessel not under(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 19: Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility. Every vessel shall(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 20: Application Rules in this Part shall be complied with in all weathers. The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise and(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 21: Definitions "Masthead light" means a white light placed over the fore and aft centreline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 22: Visibility of lights The lights prescribed in these Rules shall have an intensity as specified in Section 8 of Annex I to these Regulations so as to be visible at(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 23: Power-driven vessels underway A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit: a masthead light forward; a second masthead light abaft of and higher than the forward one;(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 24: Towing and pushing A power-driven vessel when towing shall exhibit: instead of the light prescribed in Rule 23(a)(i) or (a)(ii), two masthead lights in a(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 25: Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit: sidelights; a sternlight. In a sailing vessel of less than 20 metres in length the lights(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 26: Fishing vessels A vessel engaged in fishing, whether underway or at anchor, shall exhibit only the lights and shapes prescribed in this Rule. A vessel when(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 27: Vessel not under command or restricted in their ability to manoeuvre A vessel not under command shall exhibit: two all-round red lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen; two balls or similar(...) Read more

IRPCS (Rules) Rule 28: Vessel constrained by their draught A vessel constrained by her draught may, in addition to the lights prescribed for power-driven vessels in Rule 23, exhibit where they can best(...) Read more