Section 11.26 Navigational Rules

• Library: Tort Law 2016

C. (§11.26) Navigational Rules

Federal statutes and regulations prescribe navigational rules for the operation of vessels on the navigable waters of the United States. There are two sets of rules. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 33 U.S.C. §§ 1601 et seq., apply to the high seas. The Inland Navigation Rules, 33 C.R.F. §§ 83–90 et seq., apply to inland waters and certain designated river systems of the United States and the Great Lakes. Missouri navigable waters are included within the Inland Navigation Rules. A combination of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and the Inland Navigation Rules, highlighting similarities and differences, is available at:

www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent#rule1

The Inland Navigation Rules prescribe an elaborate code of lights and shapes, the showing of which conveys information about the vessels displaying them. The steering and sailing rules prescribe the actions to be taken when the possibility of collision between two vessels exists. The rules are detailed, complex, and subject to controversy and varied interpretations in their application. See In re MO Barge Lines, Inc., 360 F.3d 885 (8^th Cir. 2004); MarineTransp. Lines,...