Encl. (3) to COMDTINST 16200.3A
NAVIGATION RULES CIVIL PENALTIES
1.
Purpose. The purpose of the laws and regulations which make
up the navigation rules is to promote safety by preventing
collisions, groundings, rammings and the loss of life,
property or environmental damage which may ensue.
2.
Background. The navigation rules are set forth in 33 U.S.
Code, with additional regulations found in 33 CFR. Where
other regulations may be affected they are noted below.
a.
International Regulations for Preventing COLLISIONS at
Sea (72 COLREGS) (33 U.S.C. 1608 and 33 CFR Part 81).
These rules include collision avoidance rules, sound
signals and lighting requirements for vessels operating
on the high seas generally, and in U.S. navigable waters
where the Inland Navigation Rules do not apply (see lines
of demarcation). Cite as statutory violation.
b.
Inland Navigation Rules (33 U.S.C. 2072 and 33 CFR Part
81). The rules include collision avoidance rules, sound
signals and lighting requirements on the internal waters
of the U.S. seaward to lines of demarcation. Cite as
statutory violation.
c.
Radio Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Regulations (33
U.S.C. 1208 and 33 CFR Part 26). These regulations
provide a positive means whereby the operators of
approaching vessels can communicate their intentions to
one another through voice radio and provide the authority
to regulate vessel radio communication.
3.
Enforcement.
a.
Detection of Violations. The primary sources for
detecting violations and enforcement of marine
information rules and regulations are:
Boardings -- Violations may be discovered during routine
law enforcement boardings, or incidental to search and
rescue or other activity.
Radio Monitoring -- Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Services
maintain a 24 hour radio watch and record all voice
communications. This monitoring sometimes detects
violations of the Radiotelephone Act.
Inspections -- Periodic inspections of commercial vessels
are conducted for the purpose of ensuring compliance with
a wide range of applicable laws and regulations,
including those related to marine radio and navigation
rules.
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