"(a) Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.
(b) In construing and complying with these Rules due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger."
The first part of Rule 2 emphasizes that no one involved in a ship’s operation—whether the vessel itself, owner, master, or crew—is exempt from accountability. If there is neglect in complying with the rules or in following the "ordinary practice of seamen," all parties can be held responsible. This accountability extends to actions guided by common sense and time-tested practices passed down through experience. For instance, an underway vessel should yield to an anchored vessel, as an anchored ship requires time to maneuver and avoid potential hazards.
The second part of Rule 2 addresses situations where strict rule compliance may not suffice. Here, a navigator may deviate from the rules only to avoid an immediate danger. However, in most cases, adhering to the rules remains the best course of action. Rule 2(b) should never be used as a justification for improper rule-following. Instead, it reminds navigators to prioritize safety and avoid collisions at all costs, combining adherence to the rules with practical precautions.
"The price of greatness is responsibility." – Winston Churchill
Rule 2 is distinct among the COLREGs because it emphasizes personal accountability over specific actions or timing. While ship protocols may suggest when to call the master or how to act in low visibility, Rule 2 makes each individual responsible to their crew and other vessels.
Rule 2(a) requires adherence to the COLREGs and "ordinary practice of seamen"—a blend of rule-following, common sense, and traditional navigation methods.
Rule 2(b) permits deviation from the rules only to avoid immediate danger but should not be seen as a justification for improper rule application. Navigators are expected to prevent collisions by combining rule compliance with sensible precautions.
Rule 2 uses traditional language, so read it carefully and revisit it regularly. To ensure understanding and adherence, always consider:
How does Rule 2 apply to this situation?
What actions does Rule 2 require me to take?
Your responsibility is to follow the COLREGs and actively take measures to avoid collisions and ensure safe navigation at sea.
