Rules for preventing collisions at sea

The current International Regulations of 1972 (IPSPS-72) are an annex to the Convention on the International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea, adopted at the International Conference in London in 1972 . The Rules were originally drafted in English and French, with both copies being equally authentic . At the same time, official translations of the Rules into Russian and Spanish were prepared.

The IPPCS Convention entered into force on July 15, 1977 . MPPSS-72 was amended in 1981, 1987, 1989, 1993, 2001 and 2007.

The MSS rules, adopted before 1974, were only of a recommendatory nature; the implementation of MPSS-72 is mandatory on the basis of an international agreement. According to Rule 2, nothing in MPPSS can relieve a ship, its owner, master or crew of responsibility for consequences that might arise from failure to fulfill MPPSS-72. The dangers of navigation and collisions under special circumstances (including the particulars of the vessels themselves) may necessitate a departure from the IWSS to avoid immediate danger. The rules apply only when there is a danger of collision. If the vessels are in sight of each other and follow such courses and at such speeds that this does not pose a threat to traffic or a danger of collision, the rules are not used.

MPPSS applies to all ships on the high seas and the waters connected with it, on which sea vessels can sail. However, the relevant authorities of the coastal state have the right to establish special rules for swimming in inland waters (such as PPVVP in Russia), but the international convention says that they should be as close to the IWSS as possible. Therefore, knowledge of the MSPSS is necessary for the skipper.

MPPSS-72 consists of six parts and four applications ^[1] :

• Part A - General provisions (rules 1-3) . In part, the scope of the MPPSS is determined and basic definitions are introduced;
• Part B - Navigation and maneuvering rules (rules 4-19 divided into 3 sections) . In part, regulations are introduced on the procedure for sailing and maneuvering under various conditions of visibility, including the implementation of standard maneuvers of divergence, overtaking, approach, crossing the course, swimming in narrow places, etc .;
• Part C - Lights and signs (rules 20-31) . In part, the procedure for placing lights and signs on the vessel and the rules for using them are determined;
• Part D - Sound and light signals (rules 32-37) . In part, regulations are established for equipping ships with sound and light signals and the procedure for their submission, depending on the situation;
• Part E - Exemptions (rule 38) . The part provides the rules regarding ships built before 1977;
• Part F - Verification of compliance with the provisions of the Convention (entered into force on January 1, 2016, Resolution A.1085 (28) (rules 39 -41). '' '
• Appendix I - Location and specifications of lights and signs ;
• Appendix II - Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing near each other;
• Appendix III - Specifications for sound signal devices ;
• Annex IV - Distress signals .

• MPPSS mobile application for Android-based phone .
• Online test MPPSS-72 .
• All MPPSS-72 .
• International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea, MPPSS-72 . Online simulator.
• Convention on the International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea (concluded in London on 10/20/1972) (link not available)
• International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 MPPSS-72 on the Marine Site
• MPPSS-72 in English (inaccessible link) (English)