(a) Any action to avoid collision shall be taken
in accordance with the Rules of this Part and shall, if the circumstances
of the case admit, be positive, made in ample time and with due regard
to the observance of good seamanship.
(b) Any alteration of course and/or speed to avoid
collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be large
enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually
or by radar; a succession of small alterations of course and/or speed
should be avoided.
(c) If there is sufficient sea-room, alteration
of course alone may be the most effective action to avoid a close-quarters
situation provided that it is made in good time, is substantial and
does not result in another close-quarters situation.
(d) Action taken to avoid collision with another
vessel shall be such as to result in passing at a safe distance. The
effectiveness of the action shall be carefully checked until the other
vessel is finally past and clear.
(e) If necessary to avoid collision or allow more
time to assess the situation, a vessel shall slacken her speed or
take all way off by stopping or reversing her means of propulsion.
(f)
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(i) A vessel which, by any of these Rules, is
required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another vessel
shall, when required by the circumstances of the case, take early
action to allow sufficient sea-room for the safe passage of the other
vessel.
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(ii) A vessel required not to impede the passage
or safe passage of another vessel is not relieved of this obligation
if approaching the other vessel so as to involve risk of collision
and shall, when taking action, have full regard to the action which
may be required by the Rules of this part.
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(iii) A vessel the passage of which is not to
be impeded remains fully obliged to comply with the Rules of this
part when the two vessels are approaching one another so as to involve
risk of collision.