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Table of contents

Gard Guidance Masters

2.16.4.1 CAUSES OF COLLISION

For further details please refer to

  • section 1.8 Difference between P&I insurance and Hull and Machinery insurance
  • Gard News 178, The interface between Hull and Machinery insurance and P&I from the P&I claim handler’s perspective
  • Gard News 173, Collisions – why do they occur?

    Despite the fact that more and better navigation aids are available, collisions nevertheless do occur. The causes are often

  • over reliance on the navigation aids available
  • mistaken evaluation of the information provided by such aids
  • wrong conclusions drawn from given situations
  • too narrow safety margins
  • underestimating the prevailing tides and currents
  • overestimating the vessel’s manoeuvrability
  • insufficient reduction of speed in restricted visibility
  • failure to post and maintain a lookout
  • insufficient knowledge or wrong assessment of the ship’s position
  • incorrect identification of VHF traffic causing confusion between two vessels
  • poor communication between the Master and the officer of the watch as to who is actually in command of the watch
  • insufficient engine or rudder manoeuvre in adequate time
  • sudden failure of navigational equipment, propulsion or steering systems.


    The best precautions to prevent collisions are

  • constant vigilance and attention
  • proper and clear communication by and between everybody in charge of the navigation of the vessel
  • proper application of the Collision Prevention Regulations.