200360 COLREGS and Yachts

COLREGS and Yachts
Report No. 200360

We were sailing our yacht in the Mediterranean in the summer. We observed a Ro-pax ferry on the horizon and noted that the bearing remained the same. We were the stand on vessel but were forced to take action as the ferry maintained her course and speed in clear violation of the COLREGS.

COLREGS are theoretical in that many commercial vessels appear to ignore them where pleasure craft are concerned. I always take positive, early and clear avoiding action and stay well out of their way. However, commercial crews should be disciplined if owners become aware that their ships are ignoring the COLREGS. The Rule of Tonnage appears to supersede the Rules of the Road.