Sail Skills - ColRegs Free Guide to ColRegs (the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, the IRPCS or Collision Regs). Guidance covers all aspects with animations, pictures and diagrams. Aimed at small vessel users but suitable for professional mariners. Especially recommended for RYA examination candidates.
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back to top ColRegs Home>ColRegs>Steer & Sail Rules>Note: Compass Bearing Compass bearing does not alter in the case of two vessels Collision will occur if the: compass bearing does not appreciably change and vessels continue to approach even if one or both vessels alter course: The compass bearing of an approaching vessel is often monitored by: hand bearing-compass or compass binoculars, or observing against a fixture on one’s own vessel - such as: a stanchion or rigging Monitoring the compass bearing of approaching vessels Monitoring the compass bearing of an approaching vessel, by compass and fixture Using a hand bearing-compass Against a stanchion Compass bearing does not appreciably change - despite course alterations Monitoring compass bearing by observing distant object - vessel passing astern In these next two pictures, the approaching vessel has moved “backwards” across the land behind her This is not the direction in which she was travelling. She will pass astern (although I’d prefer a much greater margin!) Compass bearing changes more: rapidly near to the beam faster vessel slowly: close to ahead (or astern) slower vessel Note that in the preceding animation, as the object on the left side becomes more: distant nearly astern from the vessel, its bearing changes less quickly - even though the vessel is still moving fast Very quick assessments can be made - with practice. But do always continue to monitor the situation The next animation is long enough to confirm whether or not the vessels will pass clear - if nothing changes! You can decide ... Two small boats getting closer
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