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Given that the conference theme was “Seas of Opportunity: Navigating Unchartered Waters”, the presentation discussed the “Evolution of the Collision Regulations” and covered the history of rules and regulations used at sea by the earliest navigators and current examples encountered regarding the misuse of the collision regulations. The presentation concluded by looking ahead at how the collision regulations might need to be changed when both manned and autonomous ships are navigating the world’s oceans together.
Mike provided an overview as to how the collision regulations had developed since 1200 BC when the earliest navigations has plied the Mediterranean and adjacent seas. This covered the Roman Emperor Antonius and Rhodian Sea Law, the Vikings and Gulating law and the Roll of Oléron which is regarded as the basis of modern admiralty law. In 1840 there were the Trinity House rules which provided more clarity and Thomas Gray’s “The Rule of the Road” which became famous for its mnemonic verses, such as “When both side-lights you see ahead — Port your helm and show your RED” which were provided as guidance to the navigators of two ships meeting.
Ken provided an overview of current issues that are encountered with the application of the COLREGs at sea, this included two case studies where the improper use of VHF radio had resulted in a collision occurring between the two vessels due to simple misunderstandings over the radio. The session concluded with a look to the future where both manned and autonomous ships would be navigating the oceans together and considered some of the challenges that would be faced with using the collision regulations in their current form and what changes might need to be implemented to the COLREGs going forward.
Ken and Mike are both members of the South African Training Ship General Botha Old Boys’ Association and are actively involved with the Bursary Fund established by the association which sponsors youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds to attend the Lawhill Maritime Centre in Simonstown, as well as through their tertiary maritime training such as Officer of Watch courses.
Solis Marine are proud to have sponsored five Grade 12 students from Lawhill Maritime Centre to attend the main conference. The students had all indicated a keen interest in studying maritime law and the event provided them with a great opportunity to meet many of the lawyers working in the exciting field of maritime law in South Africa.
For all at Solis Marine, these types of initiative are key to our shared passion to improve maritime safety, nurture talent at sea and ashore, and make a tangible contribution to the decarbonisation of the industry. We are always open to supporting such initiatives and would welcome approaches from interested parties as such.