Every vesselThe word 'vessel includes every description of water craft, including non-displacement craft, WIG craft and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water'. shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditionsThis phrase is used in Rules 5,6,7 & 19. It indicates to the reader that the rule must be considered within the context that it is being applied. Although this type of 'catch-all phrase' makes the rules challenging to interpret it allows mariners to respond to the variety of events that can occur at sea. More so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collisionThe term risk of collision is described in Rule 7. '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.' More.
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