Rules of the Road · Action to Avoid Collision
A vessel takes action to avoid collision by altering speed. According to Rule 8, such a speed reduction:
- AMust reduce speed by at least half to be effective
- BIs only permitted when an alteration of course would create a new risk
- CMust be substantial enough to be readily apparent to the other vessel✓ Correct
- DMust be followed by an appropriate sound signal
Explanation
Rule 8(b) applies to both course and speed alterations — either must be large enough to be readily apparent. A small speed reduction may be invisible to radar and undetectable visually, and therefore fails the standard. There is no mandatory minimum percentage reduction prescribed.
Authority: 72 COLREGS Rule 8(b)
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