3
General Definitions
Defines key terms used throughout the COLREGs including vessel, power-driven vessel, sailing vessel, restricted visibility, and more.
Rule 3 provides essential definitions used throughout the COLREGs. Key definitions include:
a
The word "vessel" includes every description of water craft, including non-displacement craft, WIG craft and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.
b
The term "power-driven vessel" means any vessel propelled by machinery.
c
The term "sailing vessel" means any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used.
d
The term "vessel engaged in fishing" means any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls or other fishing apparatus which restrict manoeuvrability, but does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing apparatus which do not restrict manoeuvrability.
e
The word "seaplane" includes any aircraft designed to manoeuvre on the water.
f
The term "vessel not under command" means a vessel which through some exceptional circumstance is unable to manoeuvre as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.
g
The term "vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre" means a vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre as required by these Rules.
Key Takeaways
1
A vessel under sail using its engine is classified as power-driven
2
Fishing vessels must have apparatus that restricts manoeuvrability
3
NUC status requires exceptional circumstances preventing manoeuvring
4
RAM status comes from the nature of the work being performed
Common Mistakes
Classifying a sailing vessel with engine running as a sailing vessel
Confusing NUC with RAM — NUC is exceptional, RAM is work-related
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