Source: https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/cases/882?page=11
Timestamp: 2020-02-20 23:23:45
Document Index: 438862556

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2']

RRS | Case 109
What are the "government rules" to which the preamble to Part 2 and rule 48.1 refer? How do those rules differ from the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCAS)?
The IRPCAS apply only "upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels" (IRPCAS Rule 1(a)). On a country's harbours, rivers, lakes and other inland waters, governments and other government authorities may establish other rules. Those other rules are the "government rules" to which the Part 2 preamble and rule 48.1 refer. Such rules, which may apply nationally on all inland waters or only on specific inland waters, may restate, replace, change or add to the IRPCAS (IRPCAS Rules 1(b) and 1(c)).
Yes. When a boat sailing under the Part 2 rules meets a vessel that is not, the IRPCAS or government right-of-way rules apply between them (Part 2 preamble). In addition, a boat racing shall comply with rule 10, Traffic Separation Schemes, of the IRPCAS (rule 48.2). Finally, when safety requires, a boat racing shall sound fog signals and show lights as required by the IRPCAS or applicable government rules (rule 48.1).
The sailing instructions may state that a particular rule from the IRPCAS or government rules (other than a right-of-way rule) will apply to the event and include the text of that rule (rule J2.2(40)).
The definition Rule includes "(g) any other documents that govern the event." Such a document may include the text of a particular rule or rules from the IRPCAS or government rules (other than a right-of-way rule) that will apply to the event. To govern an event, a document must be listed in the notice of race (rule J1.1(3)), stating where or how it may be seen, and in the sailing instructions (rule J2.1(2)).
A boat that breaks a rule of the IRPCAS or a government rule can always be prosecuted by an authority responsible for its enforcement, but a protest may be made under such a rule only when the rule concerned "governs the event".
All the rules of Part 2 are replaced. Part B of the IRPCAS contains the IRPCAS "Steering and Sailing Rules", which are, in effect, "right-of-way rules". However, Part B of the IRPCAS must be read in conjunction with the whole of the IRPCAS, particularly Part A. For example, many terms used in Part B are defined in Part A.
A sailing instruction may only replace all the rules of Part 2 with all the right-of-way rules of the IRPCAS or government rules. Rule 86.1(b) does not permit the sailing instructions to change Part 2, which includes its preamble. Therefore, a wider or narrower range of replacements of right-of-way rules that apply between competing boats is not permitted.
GBR 2005/1