COLREGs Rule 18 | Responsibilities Between Vessels | MMD ORAL Exams

COLREGs Rule 18 Explained | Responsibilities Between Vessels | Merchant Navy Exams This video explains **COLREGs Rule 18 – Responsibilities Between Vessels**, one of the most important rules for collision avoidance and a **high-weightage topic for MMD orals, written exams, and bridge watchkeeping**. Rule 18 defines **who must keep out of the way of whom**, based on a vessel’s ability to manoeuvre — but it must always be applied together with other overriding rules. ⚓ Key Concepts Explained in This Video 🟢 Starboard = Safe Side Altering course to *starboard* is generally the preferred and safest collision-avoidance action, supported by green navigation lights and standard COLREG logic. 📊 Hierarchy of Vessels (Rule 18 Order) From **least manoeuvrable to most manoeuvrable**, vessels that must be kept clear of are: 1️⃣ Vessel Not Under Command (NUC) 2️⃣ Vessel Restricted in Ability to Manoeuvre (RAM) 3️⃣ Vessel Constrained by Draft (CBD) 4️⃣ Fishing Vessel 5️⃣ Sailing Vessel 6️⃣ Power-Driven Vessel (PDV) 👉 A **power-driven vessel must keep clear of all the above**, unless another rule overrides Rule 18. ⚠ Overriding Rules (Very Important) Rule 18 is **overridden by**: • Rule 9 – Narrow Channels • Rule 10 – Traffic Separation Schemes • Rule 13 – Overtaking Example: An overtaking vessel must **always keep clear**, even if it is RAM, CBD, or NUC. 🧭 How to Take Action Under Rule 18 Rule 18 tells **who gives way**, not **how**. The give-way vessel may: • Alter course to starboard or port • Reduce speed • Take any safe action that keeps well clear ⚓ Vessel Constrained by Draft (CBD) • All vessels except NUC and RAM must avoid *impeding* a CBD • However, if risk of collision exists, *CBD must still comply with COLREGs* • CBD may slow down if required — it does NOT have absolute priority 🚢 Towing Vessels — Common Exam Trap A towing vessel is **NOT automatically a RAM**. • It is RAM *only if* the towing operation severely restricts manoeuvrability • RAM status must be indicated by *Red-White-Red lights/shapes* • Otherwise, it is treated as a *power-driven vessel underway* • Crossing rules (Rules 15, 16, 17) will then apply This is a *frequently asked and failed question* in maritime exams. 📌 Why Rule 18 Is Critical • Foundation rule for vessel hierarchy • Must be combined with Rules 9, 10, and 13 • Essential for real-world collision avoidance • High-confidence topic for MMD orals Perfect for: ✔ Cadets ✔ OOW & Chief Mate candidates ✔ Bridge watchkeepers ✔ COLREGs revision and concept clarity 🌐 CONNECT WITH SAILOR RIDER YouTube:    / @sailor_rider   Facebook:   / 19imzynlrp   Instagram:   / sailor_rider   Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sailor_rider 🏷 TAGS colregs rule 18 explained responsibilities between vessels hierarchy of vessels colregs nuc ram cbd fishing sailing pdv overriding rules colregs rule 9 10 13 override rule 18 towing vessel ram exam trap vessel constrained by draft rule merchant navy colregs training chief mate rule 18 orals oow colregs hierarchy collision avoidance rules bridge watchkeeping colregs mmd oral exam colregs marine navigation safety #COLREGs #Rule18 #MarineNavigation #MerchantNavy #ChiefMateExam