The Pair Rule and the Collision Problem

Abstract

In my recent paper I proposed a set of manœuvring rules intended to solve the operational aspect of the collision problem. These rules are simple, but they are different if the bearing is lesser or greater than 90°. The object of this paper is to present a simpler rule valid for every bearing between 0° and 180°.The Pair Rule. Except for the singular situation of both vessels meeting head-on or head-to-stern, every encounter involving danger of collision is characterized by the fact that the heading of both vessels is on the same side of the sight line. Close-quarter situations also involve, in general, those standing head-on, except for some situations with the heading on opposite sides of the sight line when one or both of them heads close to this line. Consequently, the evading manœuvre must be such that both headings are on opposite sides of the sight line and opening enough to ensure a safe passing.