PART A – GENERAL
Rule 1 – Application
Rule 2 – Responsibility
PART B – Section I Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility
Rule 4 – Application
Rule 5 – Look-out
Rule 6 – Safe Speed
Rule 7 – Risk of Collision
Rule 8 – Action to Avoid Collision
Rule 9 – Narrow Channels
Rule 10 – Traffic Separation Schemes
PART B – Section II Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another
Rule 11 – Application
Rule 12 – Sailing Vessels
Rule 13 – Overtaking
Rule 14 – Head-on Situation
Rule 15 – Crossing Situation
Rule 16 – Action by Give-way Vessel
Rule 17 – Action by Stand-on Vessel
Rule 18 – Responsibilities Between Vessels
PART B – Section III Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
Rule 19 – Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
PART C – Lights and Shapes
Rule 20 – Application
Rule 21 – Definitions
Rule 22 – Visibility of Lights
Rule 23 – Power-driven Vessels Underway
Rule 24 – Towing and Pushing
Rule 25 – Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars
Rule 26 – Fishing Vessels
Rule 27 – Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in their Ability to Manoeuvre
Rule 28 – Vessels Constrained by their Draught
Rule 29 – Pilot Vessels
Rule 30 – Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground
Rule 31 – Seaplanes
PART D – Sound and Light Signals
Rule 32 – Definitions
Rule 33 – Equipment for Sound Signals
Rule 34 – Manoeuvring and Warning Signals
Rule 35 – Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility
Rule 36 – Signals to Attract Attention
Rule 37 – Distress Signals
PART E – Exemptions
Rule 38 – Exemptions
PART F – Verification of Compliance with the Provisions of the Convention
Rule 39 – Definitions
Rule 40 – Application
Rule 41 – Verification of Compliance
ANNEX I – Positioning and Technical Details of Lights and Shapes
ANNEX II Addition Signals for Fishing Vessels Fishing in Close Proximity
ANNEX III : Technical Details of Sound Signal Appliances
ANNEX IV Distress Signals
IRPCS – History
Prior to the development of a single set of international rules and practices, there existed separate practices and various conventions and informal procedures in different parts of the world, as advanced by various maritime nations. As a result, there were inconsistencies and even contradictions that gave rise to unintended collisions. Vessel navigation lights for operating in darkness as well as navigation marks also were not standardised, giving rise to dangerous confusion and ambiguity between vessels at risk of colliding.
With the advent of steam-powered ships in the mid-19th century, conventions for sailing vessel navigation had to be supplemented with conventions for power-driven vessel navigation. Sailing vessels are limited as to their manoeuvrability in that they cannot sail directly into the wind and cannot be readily navigated in the absence of wind. On the other hand, steamships can manoeuvre in all 360 degrees of direction and can be manoeuvred irrespective of the presence or absence of wind.
IRPCS – Implementation of the Rules and subsequent amendments
The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea were adopted as a convention of the International Maritime Organization on 20 October 1972 and entered into force on 15 July 1977. They were designed to update and replace the Collision Regulations of 1960, particularly with regard to Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) following the first of these, introduced in the Strait of Dover in 1967.
As of June 2013, the convention has been ratified by 155 states representing 98.7% of the tonnage of the world’s merchant fleets.
The international regulations have been amended several times since their first adoption. In 1981 Rule 10 was amended with regard to dredging or surveying in traffic separation schemes.
In 1987 amendments were made to several rules, including rule 1(e) for vessels of special construction; rule 3(h), vessels constrained by her draught and Rule 10(c), crossing traffic lanes.
In 1989 Rule 10 was altered to stop unnecessary use of the inshore traffic zones associated with TSS.
In 1993 amendments were made concerning the positioning of lights on vessels. In 2001 new rules were added relating to wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) craft and in 2007 the text of Annex IV (Distress signals) was rewritten.
The 2013 amendments (resolution A.1085(28)) Adoption: 4 December 2013 Entry into force: 1 January 2016 After existing part E (Exemptions), a new part F (Verification of compliance with the provisions of the Convention) is added in order for the Organization to make necessary verifications under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme.