IALACOLREG
Academy

COLREG

Rule 2: Responsibility

Following COLREG does not erase your responsibility; you may depart only when needed to avoid immediate danger.

Rule 2 of 41

Decide

Does it protect you or is it neglect? Sort each conduct.

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The rule in plain words

  1. Who remains responsible?If the vessel, owner, master or crew neglect COLREG, none of them is exonerated from the consequences.
  2. Which precautions count?Even when you follow COLREG, neglecting a precaution required by the ordinary practice of seamen or by special circumstances is still neglect.
  3. When may you depart?While construing and complying with COLREG, you may do so when circumstances make it necessary to avoid immediate danger.
  4. What must you consider?Weigh all dangers of navigation and collision, every special circumstance, and the limitations of the vessels involved.
Assess navigation and collision dangers and vessel limitations. Departure from a rule may be necessary only to avoid immediate danger; no departure is prescribed here.

Before you read on: what would you do?

Question 1/1

Who may face the consequences of neglect under Rule 2(a)?

Frequent mistakes

  • Wrong: "Following COLREG means no missed precaution matters."

    Right: Compliance does not excuse neglect of a required precaution.

  • Wrong: "Only the master can face Rule 2 consequences; the vessel, owner and crew are excluded."

    Right: The Rule names the vessel, owner, master and crew.

  • Wrong: "Any difficult situation permits departure from COLREG."

    Right: Departure must be necessary to avoid immediate danger.

Exam keys & interpretation

  1. An option naming only the master misses the full list: vessel, owner, master and crew.
  2. At the word "departure", check the exact purpose: avoiding immediate danger, not handling any difficulty.
  3. If asked what to consider, choose the option combining navigation, collision, special circumstances and vessel limitations.

How to read it

Treat compliance as a floor, not a shield: a required precaution can still be neglected.

Treat departure as a safety exception: assess dangers, circumstances and vessel limitations before deciding it is necessary.

Key points

  • Vessel + owner + master + crew: responsibility remains.
  • Seamen's practice and circumstances can require precautions.
  • Departure from the Rules: a narrow exception for immediate danger.
  • Check navigation · collision · circumstances · involved-vessel limits.

Test your knowledge

3 questions to check it. Pick an answer to see why.

Question 1/3

What may require a precaution under Rule 2(a)?

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Official text

IMO COLREG 1972 U.S. Coast Guard — International Navigation Rules (2024)

Full wording of the rule, reproduced from the official source below.

(a) Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case. (b) In construing and complying with these Rules due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.
Source:

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Reviewed by Ramon Curto, Nautical teacher at IECNPC · Last reviewed:

Frequently asked questions about COLREG Rule 2

What does COLREG Rule 2 say about responsibility?

Nothing in these Rules exonerates any vessel, or her owner, master or crew, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with the Rules or of the neglect of any precaution required by the ordinary practice of seamanship, or by the special circumstances of the case (Rule 2(a)).

Can a vessel depart from the COLREGs to avoid immediate danger?

Yes. Rule 2(b) requires due regard to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.

Does good seamanship require more than following the COLREGs?

Yes. Rule 2 makes a vessel answerable for neglecting any precaution required by the ordinary practice of seamanship, so compliance with the Rules alone does not relieve her of responsibility. Blindly following the Rules without considering the specific situation is the classic Rule 2 failure.