COLREG 1972 · rule 5 of 38

Rule 5. Look-out

Keep a proper look-out by sight, by hearing and by all available means, so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and the risk of collision. Radar and AIS do not replace a pair of eyes at the window, they are added to them.

Part of the convention Always: clear weather and fog alike

Keep a proper look-out by sight, by hearing and by all available means, so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and the risk of collision. Radar and AIS do not replace a pair of eyes at the window, they are added to them.

At sea it looks like this

An officer buried in the radar display missed a small yacht with no radar reflector alongside. That is a breach of rule 5, the rule most often cited in collision investigations.

The rule says«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 the risk of collision.»

Part of the convention: Always: clear weather and fog alike