Rules of the Road · Risk of Collision — Rule 7
Under Rule 7, risk of collision shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel:
- ADoes not appreciably change✓ Correct
- BChanges rapidly
- CIs dead ahead only
- DIs abaft the beam
Explanation
A constant or nearly constant compass bearing with decreasing range indicates risk of collision. Risk may also exist even with an appreciable bearing change — e.g., when approaching a very large vessel or a tow, or at close range.
Authority: COLREGS/Navigation Rules, Rule 7(d)(i)
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