Navigational Rules at Sea: Understanding Military Ships and Oil Tankers

On the vast expanse of the open ocean, the rules of the road are rigorously defined to ensure the safety and efficiency of all maritime traffic. These rules are currently referred to as the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) and they govern the conduct of vessels in various maritime environments. Although a collision is always a worst-case scenario, it is important to understand the rules that govern the actions of different types of vessels, including military ships and oil tankers.

Can a Military Ship Cut in Front of an Oil Tanker?

Despite the common belief that a military ship might be exempt from following the international rules of the road, all ships, including military vessels, are subject to these regulations. TheКОREGs state that all vessels must take every precaution to avoid a collision. Thus, a military ship, like any other vessel, can cut in front of an oil tanker, provided it adheres to the necessary rules and procedures. For example, the military ship must ensure that its maneuvering does not create an imminent danger to the oil tanker or other nearby vessels.

Case Study: The Second Mate Experience

When I served as a second mate on a barge carrier, we were also trained to navigate and avoid collisions according to the COLREGs. On one occasion, we had a close call where we had to take immediate action to avoid another ship. We had the obligation to avoid the other vessel, and we did. However, it's important to note that such close calls are not frequent, and all ships, including military vessels, have a responsibility to avoid such situations.

Military ships, being faster and more agile, should ideally avoid close quarters situations with commercial vessels. However, despite these guidelines, there have been notable incidents involving military vessels, such as the USS Fitzgerald and USS McCain.

Naval Operations and Training Areas

There are specific areas designated for naval operations and training, which are broadcasted to all parties involved. Commercial vessels are advised to avoid passing through these designated areas to minimize the risk of a collision. While these designated areas are intended for naval use, it's crucial for all shipping parties to be aware of and respect these boundaries.

Testing and Training

Following the USS Fitzgerald and USS McCain incidents, the US Navy attempted to test its officers on the COLREGs. However, the results were concerning. Approximately half of the officers who took the test would not even take it, and those who did often failed to pass. This highlights the importance of thorough training and adherence to international maritime rules.

The unfortunate outcomes of these incidents, coupled with the findings from the tests, underscore the need for stricter training programs and comprehensive understanding of the COLREGs among military personnel. Ensuring that all vessels, including military ships, operate in compliance with these rules is vital for maintaining maritime safety and preventing accidents.

Moreover, this emphasizes the importance of continuous education and reinforcement of the principles of the COLREGs. By doing so, we can safeguard the lives and properties of all those who travel and operate on the high seas.

Conclusion

While military ships are highly maneuverable and capable of cutting in front of oil tankers, they are still bound by the same rules as all other vessels. The COLREGs require all ships to take all necessary actions to avoid collisions and to navigate responsibly. The designated areas for naval operations are meant to mitigate the risk of such incidents, but it's crucial for all parties to be well-informed and compliant.

Keywords

international rules of the road naval operations merchant vessels