In order to get certified as a second mate, first mate, master adn extra master, every candidate must know by heart and is tested on the international rules of the road, required to answer immediately any and all questions concerning said rules.
It's one of the hardest parts of gaining certificate of competency, because the examiners are usually old ex sea captains who probably served their cadetship under Nelson. They're bitter at having to work ashore and resent the younger generation persuing a life at sea.
(I was failed twice, before getting first mate's)
Anyway, to get back on track;
Part A - General
1. Application
These Rules shall apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels.
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.
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.
Risk of Collision
Vessels must use all available means to determine the risk of a collision, including the use of radar (if available) to get early warning of the risk of collision by radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects. (e.g. ARPA, AIS).
Action to avoid collision
Actions taken to avoid collision should be:
positive
obvious
made in good time
Crossing situations
When two power-driven vessels are crossing, the vessel which has the other on the starboard side must give way.
The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to keep well clear.
The stand-on vessel may take action to avoid collision if it becomes clear that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action.
