Rule 37: Good seamanship keeps ships safe under COLREGs

Rule 37 and the quiet power of good seamanship

Ever watched a pair of ships on a busy waterway and wondered what keeps them from turning into a headline? Rule 37 is the answer, tucked inside the broader globe of the COLREGs. It isn’t a flashy trick or a high-tech gadget. It’s a steadfast mindset—a commitment to good seamanship that puts safety at the center of every decision. If you’re curious about the core idea behind the rule, here it is in plain terms: good seamanship practices to ensure safety at sea.

What “good seamanship” really means

Think of seamanship as a toolkit for safe navigation. It blends hard skills with judgment born from experience. Rule 37 doesn’t demand heroic feats; it emphasizes steady, responsible behavior when vessels share the same space. In practice, that shows up as clear lookouts, sensible speeds, and timely actions to prevent danger. It’s about keeping the other guy safe as you keep yourself safe.

Let me explain it with a simple triad: lookout, speed, and action to avoid danger. These aren’t separate chores you complete in isolation; they’re a coordinated approach that guides every maneuver, especially when boats are close or moving in the same neighborhood of water.

• A proper lookout: this isn’t just peering through a window at coffee. It means staying aware with eyes and ears—and using all tools at hand: radar, AIS, navigation lights, radios, and even the quiet moments when the fog rolls in. A good lookout catches the small stuff—the silhouette of a small fishing boat, a tug with a tow, a light that seems to appear from nowhere.

• Safe speeds: speed isn’t just about how fast your hull cuts through water. It’s about how your ship’s speed relates to visibility, traffic density, weather, sea state, and the maneuverability you’ve got. Safe speed means you can stop in time to avoid a collision, and you can adjust smoothly so you don’t surprise other vessels.

• Action to avoid danger: when something looks risky, the rule urges you to take action. Earlier, lighter changes in course or speed are usually better than last-minute, dramatic moves. The goal isn’t to win a game of chicken; it’s to create space, reduce risk, and keep the waterway calm for everyone.

The human element: teamwork at sea

Rule 37 isn’t a solo performance. It rests on teamwork—crew members, bridge teams, and the people you share the channel with. Communication matters. When two vessels appear likely to cross paths, clear intentions should be conveyed—via lights, sounds, and, when appropriate, radio. It’s not about signaling bravado; it’s about signaling safety. Think of it as handing a spare lifebuoy to another mariner—quiet, practical, and essential.

This is where the modern tools come in, not as a substitute for common sense, but as a force multiplier. AIS tells you who’s out there; radar helps you track courses; VHF radio helps you exchange intentions. They’re not magic bullets, but they tilt the odds toward safe outcomes when combined with a steady lookout and disciplined speed management.

Common scenarios: crossing, overtaking, and meeting head-on

Rule 37 works in tandem with other rules, especially in common traffic scenarios. Here are quick sketches of how good seamanship factors into everyday situations on the water:

• Crossing situation: two vessels approach from different bearings with the risk of crossing paths. Here, the vessel with the other vessel on the starboard side has certain obligations, but Rule 37 reminds everyone to keep a vigilant lookout and be prepared to adjust speed or course early. The emphasis is on safe, predictable movement rather than clever tricks.

• Overtaking: when one vessel overtakes another, there’s a built-in expectation that the overtaking vessel will keep clear. A steady hand on the wheel, a clear signal of intention, and a predictable path help the entire traffic lane stay calm and safe.

• Meeting head-on: the rule calls for both ships to alter course to starboard (usually) if there’s no indication of another agreed path. The key here is predictability. If both vessels act with good seamanship—clear signals, gradual changes, and proper lookout—the risk of a collision drops dramatically.

Tools, habits, and the daily ritual of safety

In the real world, Rule 37 isn’t about one dramatic maneuver; it’s about daily discipline. Here are some practical habits that echo the spirit of good seamanship:

• Keep the lookout alive, all the time. A steady watch, rotating duties, and a culture that rewards alertness are priceless on busy water.

• Use your instruments wisely. Radar won’t replace good judgment, but it can extend your awareness when visibility fades. AIS adds another layer of clarity about who’s around.

• Communicate with intention. When in doubt, say what you’re planning. Short, precise phrases over the VHF can prevent misunderstandings that spiral into danger.

• Respect speed limits and environmental factors. Fog, rain, swell, or a crowded channel aren’t excuses to push your boat to the edge. They’re reasons to slow down and be deliberate.

• Practice scenario thinking. Mentally rehearse crossing, overtaking, or meeting head-on situations. The more you’ve run through in calm moments, the more you’ll react calmly when it matters.

A few cautions and common missteps to avoid

Even the best crews can slip into habits that weaken safety. Here are some gentle reminders of what to watch for:

• Overreliance on automation. Autopilots are great, but they don’t replace a vigilant human at the helm. Always supervise, especially in traffic lanes or poor visibility.

• Assumptions about others’ actions. Ships don’t always behave predictably. Take responsibility for your own actions, and don’t assume the other vessel will do what you expect.

• Delayed communication. Silence can be misread as intent. If something seems off, say it clearly, early.

• Running on intuition alone. If weather or traffic makes the waterway riskier, slow down and increase the lookout. Intuition helps, but it must be backed by careful observation and deliberate action.

Why Rule 37 matters beyond the moment

Rule 37 isn’t a rule of thumb for a single voyage. It embodies a culture: a shared commitment to safe seas. When mariners act with good seamanship, they’re not just protecting themselves; they’re protecting every vessel sharing the water. That mutual responsibility matters, whether you’re docking in a crowded harbor or pocketing away from a lonely buoy in open water.

A gentle nudge toward a broader perspective

Think of Rule 37 as the quiet discipline that threads through all the other rules. It’s the reminder that collision avoidance starts long before you hear a horn or see a flare. It begins with a mindset—watchfulness, prudent speed, and timely action—applied every hour of every voyage. It’s the difference between a routine day on the water and a day when things go south.

Real-world insights from the bridge

If you’ve spent time on a vessel, you’ve noticed that the best captains don’t chase speed for speed’s sake. They chase clarity. They want to understand what other ships are doing, what the weather is doing, and how the sea’s mood might change. They lead by example, asking questions and speaking up when something feels off. That leadership is as much about character as it is about technique, and it’s the essence of good seamanship that Rule 37 champions.

Bringing it all together: safety as a shared journey

Rule 37 asks a simple, stubborn question: How will you act to keep people safe when you share space with others on the water? The answer isn’t a single move but a way of approaching every moment on deck. It’s a habit of looking, a discipline of adjusting speed, and a readiness to take responsible action. It’s a chorus of small, steady choices that, over time, keeps the sea a safer place for everyone who sails it.

If you’re curious about how this plays out in real life, look for stories from mariners who emphasize calm, coordinated action. You’ll hear about crews who kept a clear lookout in fog, who slowed down through a busy channel, and who communicated their intentions with patience and precision. They’re living proof that Rule 37 isn’t a dry regulation; it’s a living mindset that honors the safety of all who venture onto the water.

So, the next time you imagine a seaway filled with ships coursing through the sunlit spray, remember Rule 37. It’s the voice that says: stay vigilant, move thoughtfully, and look out for your neighbors on the water. Good seamanship isn’t flashy, but it’s powerful. It’s the quiet confidence that, in the end, keeps everyone safer and the oceans more navigable for generations to come.