Circular 19: Four Considerations in Determining the Risk of Collision of Vessels

To avoid the risk of collision on the voyage in all visibility conditions, all vessels must constantly maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing, and must use all available equipment suitable for the current circumstances and conditions to fully assess the situation and risk of collision. Specifically: Article 7 of Circular 19/2013/TT-BGTVT outlines 04 notes for determining the risk of collision for vessels as follows:

Illustration (source: internet)

- Vessels must use all available equipment appropriate to the current circumstances and conditions to determine whether there is a risk of collision. If this cannot be confirmed, it must be assumed that there is a risk of collision.- Fully utilize the vessel’s radar equipment, observing at large range scales to detect the risk of collision early and conducting radar plotting avoidance or systematically tracking discovered targets.- Do not draw conclusions based on incomplete information, especially information provided by radar.- In determining whether there is a risk of collision, the following factors must be considered:

- There is a risk of collision if the bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change;- The risk of collision may still exist even if there is an apparent change in bearing, particularly when approaching a very large vessel, a tow convoy, or another vessel at close range.

View the full text of the regulation in Circular 19/2013/TT-BGTVT, effective from September 15, 2013.

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