Avoiding action

Practical guides to the COLREGS, buoyage, lights and shapes, and exam prep - written to be useful at the chart table, not just in the classroom.

COLREGS rulesAvoiding actionExam prepSeamanshipCollision avoidance

Rule 8: Make Your Avoiding Action Obvious and Early

Small, hesitant helm movements are invisible from the bridge of an approaching ship. Rule 8 demands large, early, readily apparent action - here's why it matters.

19 October 2026 · 8 min read