COLREGs Rule 5: Look-out

Rule 5 says every vessel must keep a proper look-out at all times, by sight and hearing and by every other available means, so it can fully judge the situation and the risk of collision.

What Rule 5 says

1. Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing, and by all available means appropriate to the circumstances and conditions.
2. The aim is to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.

This is a plain-English summary, not the official wording. For the exact text, see the IMO convention. In UK waters the rules are given legal force by the Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations.

What it means on a yacht

Look under the genoa regularly: the space behind the headsail is where ships hide. Radar and AIS help, but many small craft carry no AIS, so they never replace looking. Single-handed sailors are not exempt.

Practise it

Test yourself on who gives way in the free COLREGs trainer, or print the rules of the road cheat sheets for the chart table.

Other rules in Part B

• Rule 4: Application of Section I
• Rule 6: Safe speed
• Rule 7: Risk of collision
• Rule 8: Action to avoid collision
• Rule 9: Narrow channels
• Rule 10: Traffic separation schemes
• Rule 11: Application of Section II
• Rule 12: Sailing vessels
• Rule 13: Overtaking
• Rule 14: Head-on situation
• Rule 15: Crossing situation
• Rule 16: Action by give-way vessel
• Rule 17: Action by stand-on vessel
• Rule 18: Responsibilities between vessels
• Rule 19: Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility

Frequently asked questions