posted 12-17-2014 10:05 AM ET (US)        

Announcement of the new rules handbook appears at

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRuleChanges

The electronic copy of the handbook is available from

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/navRules/CG_NRHB_20141118.pdf

Changes are noted in the margins and with double underlining. I have noted the following changes:

--on page 6 in the definition of vessel constrained by her draft,

--on page 30 in RULE 19, Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility,

--on page 41 in RULE 23, Lights and Shapes for power-driven vessels underway,

--on page 50 and page 55 in RULE 24, Towing and Pushing,

--on page 95 in RULE 30, Vessels anchored, aground and moored barges,

--on page 119 in ANNEX I, Positioning and Technical Details of Lights and Shapes,

--on page 124 in ANNEX I, Positioning and Technical Details of Lights and Shapes,

--on page 129 and page 133 in ANNEX III, Technical Details of Sound Signal Appliances,

--on page 145 in IMPLEMENTING RULES

--on page 161 in OPERATIONS OF VESSELS,

--on page 162 in VESSEL BRIDGE-TO-BRIDGE RADIOTELEPHONE REGULATIONS, and

--on page 188 in Table 161.12(c) – VTS and VMRS Centers, Call Signs/MMSI, Designated Frequencies, and Monitoring.

The above list is just my observations. There may be other changes I did not notice.

Although the handbook contains about 160 pages, the reader is cautioned:

quote:

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Not all U.S. Navigation Regulations found in Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations are contained in this handbook.

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The concept that there is no physical printed copy of this handbook seems to create a problem for compliance. The frequently asked question section of the Navcen website gives this advice:

Q.: Am I required to carry a copy of the Navigation Rules?

A.: Per 33 CFR 83.01(g), the operator of each self-propelled vessel 12 meters or more in length shall carry on board and maintain for ready reference a copy of the Inland Navigation Rules. Electronic copies of the Navigation Rules are acceptable, however, only if they are currently corrected to the latest Notice to Mariners and can be made available for ready reference. The unwritten rule of thumb: 'readily' means that you are able to avail yourself of a Rule(s) within 2 minutes of the need to do so.

Cf.: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesFAQ#0.3_4