OAR 250-011-0050: Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility

(1) Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision. (2) Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that it can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions. In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those taken into account by all vessels: (a) The state of visibility; (b) The traffic density including concentration of fishing vessels or any other vessels; (c) The maneuverability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions; (d) At night the presence of background light such as from shore lights or from back scatter of its own lights; (e) The state of wind, sea, and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards; (f) The draft in relation to the available depth of water; (g) The characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment; (h) Any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use; (i) The effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather, and other sources of interference; (j) The possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating objects may not be detected by radar at an adequate range; (k) The number, location, and movement of vessels detected by radar; and (l) The more exact assessment of the visibility that may be possible when radar is used to determine the range of vessels or other objects in the vicinity. (3) Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist. Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational, including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects. Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information. In determining if risk of collision exists the following considerations shall be among those taken into account: (a) Such risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change; and (b) Such risk may sometimes exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel or a tow or when approaching a vessel at close range. (4) Any action taken to avoid collision shall be taken in accordance with OAR 250-011-0050, 250-011-0060, 250-011-0070 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. (a) Any alteration of course 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 or speed should be avoided. (b) 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. (c) 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. (d) If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the situation, a vessel shall slacken its [speed or take all way off by stopping or reversing its means of propulsion. (e) 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. (A) 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 OAR 250-011-0050, 250-011-0060, and 250-011-0070. (B) A vessel the passage of which is not to be impeded remains fully obliged to comply with OAR 250-011-050, 250-011-0060, and 250-011-0070 when the two vessels are approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision. (5) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on its starboard side as is safe and practicable: (a) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway; (b) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway; (c) A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within that channel or fairway. The latter vessel shall use the danger signal prescribed in OAR 250-011-0200(4) if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel; (d) In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking, the vessel intending to overtake shall indicate its intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in OAR 250-011-0200(3)(a) and(b), and take steps to permit safe passing. The overtaken vessel, if in agreement, shall sound the same signal. If in doubt it shall sound the danger signal prescribed in OAR 250-011-0200(4). This does not relieve the overtaking vessel of its obligation under OAR 250-011-0060(2); (e) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel or fairway where other vessel may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall navigate with particular alertness and caution and shall sound the appropriate signal prescribed in OAR 250-011-0200(5); (f) Every vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel. (6) Any vessel approaching, overtaking, being approached, or being overtaken by a moving law enforcement vessel operating with a siren or an illuminated flashing blue light, or any vessel approaching a stationary law enforcement vessel displaying an illuminated blue light, shall: (a) Immediately slow to a speed sufficient to maintain steerage only, shall alter its course, within its ability, so as not to inhibit or interfere with the operation of the law enforcement vessel, and shall proceed, unless otherwise directed by the operator of the law enforcement vessel, at the reduced speed until beyond the area of operation of the law enforcement vessel; (b) Notwithstanding the operational requirements of section 6 (a) of this rule, vessels shall not be required to operate in a manner that would endanger or be likely to endanger that craft, other nearby watercraft, or other persons or property.