Preparation
There is no pre-reading before this section of the course.
Why is this important?
Just like on the road, at sea there are rules which aim to prevent collisions.
Rules of the Road
IRPCS – Quick Quiz
The slides take you through the main applications of most of the IRPCS rules. The full rule wording is available in the “Speakers Notes”.
RYA Top tips for dealing with fog
Rule 19. It’s not a particularly long or complicated rule, but when the visibility closes in, it completely replaces all others.
PBO Colregs made Simple
Sail meets Sail – Port and Starboard
Video: skill
Sail meets Sail – head on
Video: skill
Sail meets Sail – Windward-Leeward
Video: skill
Sail meets Sail – Unsure of tack
Video: skill
Power meets Sail – Overtaking
Video: skill
Power meets Sail – Crossing
Video: skill
Power meets Power – Crossing
Video: skill
Power meets Power – Head On
Video: skill
Power meets Power – Overtaking
Video: skill
Now watch this video from Motor Boat & Yachting
Video: additional information
Ship Navigation Lights
Navigation lights and shapes lesson (PowerPoint)
Navigation lights and shapes lesson (PDF)
Take a look at this PowerPoint to remind yourself of all the basic lights and shapes.
Colision regulations, lights and shapes – Quick Quiz (PowerPoint)
Colision regulations, lights and shapes – Quick Quiz (PDF)
The slides take you through all the main lights and shapes.
Navigation Lights – Flip Cards
Check your knowledge by printing out these cards.
Port Traffic Signals
These light signals (or amended version of) are used at the entrance of many harbours.
Note: Penzance Harbour uses an amended version of this – three green – entrance open, three red – entrance closed.
Links
RNLI Training – Navigation Lights
This is a link to the online version of the RNLI Training console.
RNLI Training – Shapes and Lights
This is a link to the online version of the RNLI Training console.
Sailtrain – Col Regs
The Collision Regulations in detail.
RYA – Rules of the Road
The RYA’s quick guide to the rules of the road.
RYA Sea Sense
Aiming to make us consider other water users.
Check your understanding
Check your knowledge of the basics using this quick self-marking test.
Open the quiz
Progression
Try to identify these navigation lights in the real world. If possible look out to sea see what is going past.
Feedback
The content of these pages is put together in good faith and is constantly evolving. It is possible that errors exist within this content. If you spot an error or would like to add anything to these pages please contact use via email.
Reading the content of these pages is not a substitute for completing a RYA Shorebased course or similar.
