Boating Bible Manual of Seamanship Blog

Rule 5 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) states:

Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.

This rule would seem to be common sense. Who would want to have a collision, whether with another vessel, rocks, debris or the land? And yet, how often do we read of vessels of all shapes and sizes that have failed to maintain a proper look-out?

As skipper, when you’re out on the water, you must get your crew to watch out for anything that may hinder your progress. When they see something of concern, they should tell you its position and distance off. You can then assess the risk of collision and alter course, if necessary.

When racing, this is a standard part of a yacht’s routine. When cruising, it is no less important.

And if you are sailing at night, your look-out must be even more alert, as the navigation lights on buoys and vessels can merge with lights on the shore and become hard to identify.