If a departure from established rules is necessary, what is expected of a vessel?

In situations where a vessel must depart from established navigational rules, it is imperative that the vessel can justify and articulate the reasons for this deviation. This necessity arises from the responsible application of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), where the safety of navigation and the well-being of all parties involved must remain a priority.

Justifying the departure means providing a sound rationale for why adhering to the established rules would be unsafe or impractical in the specific circumstances. This could involve conditions such as restricted visibility, adverse weather, or unexpected obstacles. A clear justification supports compliance with the principles of safe navigation and ensures that other vessels are aware of the rationale behind the actions taken.

In practice, this might include documenting the decision-making process and any communication with other vessels or authorities, highlighting the reasons for the departure from standard procedures. This approach enhances maritime safety and fosters accountability within the navigational process.