Amending the Collision Regulations

Abstract

A previous paper, developing the idea of automated routing of vessels stated ‘the full scope of automated systems at sea is inconceivable in terms of compliance with the old (collision) Regulations. Only an entirely new code of manœuvre will give the dimensions and scope needed.’ Again, it was suggested that the Collisions Regulations would need to be completely re-thought and re-written in the light of present capabilities and possibilities. This paper, while not endeavouring completely to re-write the Collision Regulations, tries to outline the form the new Regulations should take without entering into too much detail, with particular relevance to the traffic separation schemes presently under consideration by Imco and leading to the future prospect of complete automation as envisaged in the article under reference.