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Rule 2: Responsibility (COLREGS)

Last reviewed October 21, 2026

The short answer

Rule 2 says following the rules never excuses neglect of good seamanship, and a vessel must depart from the rules when needed to avoid immediate danger. Owners, masters, and crew stay responsible for any neglect, including ignoring precautions required by ordinary practice of seamen or special circumstances.

The rule text

Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules

International Rules, U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook (NAVCEN, 2024 corrected edition), Rule 2

which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.

International Rules, U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook (NAVCEN, 2024 corrected edition), Rule 2

What it means on the water

  • Rule 2(a): responsibility. Compliance plus ordinary practice of seamen.
  • Rule 2(b): the general prudential rule. Departing from the rules is allowed when needed to avoid immediate danger.
  • It applies to owner, master, and crew.

International vs Inland

Same in both International and Inland.

Common exam traps

  • Thinking a stand-on vessel may hold course into a collision. Rules 2(b) and 17(b) say otherwise.
  • Thinking Rule 2 lets you ignore rules for convenience. It's for immediate danger.

Try 3 questions on Rule 2

  1. When does Rule 2(b) permit departing from the rules?

    1. When convenient
    2. When necessary to avoid immediate danger
    3. At night
    4. Never
    Show answer

    B. When necessary to avoid immediate danger Rule 2(b).

  2. Who does Rule 2(a) hold responsible?

    1. Only the master
    2. The vessel, owner, master, or crew
    3. Only the owner
    4. The Coast Guard
    Show answer

    B. The vessel, owner, master, or crew Rule 2(a).

  3. Is Rule 2 different Inland?

    1. Yes
    2. No
    Show answer

    B. No Same text.

Frequently asked questions

What is the general prudential rule?

Rule 2(b): departing from the rules when necessary to avoid immediate danger.

Does following the rules protect me from liability?

Not if there was neglect of the rules or of ordinary practice of seamen (Rule 2(a)).

Same Inland?

Yes.

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