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When Can Navigation Rules Be Overlooked?

When Can Navigation Rules Be Overlooked?

Jan 5, 2023

Last Updated on: Sep 18, 2024

If the question arises of when can navigation rules be overlooked, then the answer is that they should never be overlooked. However, there are moments when you only have the option to ignore these rules.

Certain situations and groups can ignore and overlook these rules whenever they want. To know them, too, scroll down below.

What Do You Mean By Navigation Rules?

For every water vessel traveling through water bodies, specific rules are enforced to see their safe travel. These rules are like the traffic rules, but except for roads, they are for the waterways and waterbodies.

These navigation rules ensure the safety of the vessel and the passengers onboard from dangerous rocks, shallow waters, and reefs.

When Can Navigation Rules Be Overlooked?

The navigation rules are set in place to ensure safe and secure travel on water, but there are moments when these rules need to be followed sometimes. So the situations that can force the sailors to ignore the navigation rules are as follows.

Crossing Dangerous Waters

When you are crossing turbulent and dangerous waters, with the people on board being unsafe, the navigation rules can be overlooked; their priority is to protect the passengers.

When it comes to sailors, during storms and dangerous turbulent waters, they are not bound to follow the navigation rules. They can easily overlook them.

To Avoid Immediate Danger

Who may depart from the navigation rules? The operators may need to depart from the navigation rules while trying to mitigate imminent dangers.

While traveling over waters, danger can happen anywhere, and at any point, so paying proper attention to the navigators is essential. They are trained for any sudden changes in water and air direction.

So if travelers and navigators predict something dangerous, they can ignore all the navigation rules. This is how they can keep the onboard passengers safe.

When A Vessel Has Little Maneuverability

If the captain and crew feel like the vessel is going through a little maneuverability, then they are allowed to overlook all the navigation rules for boats. It is more important to keep the passengers safe than to travel in a hazardous environment.

When The Sailor Is Inexperienced

It is important that navigators and sailors should know how to navigate their way around the water. That way, they don’t end up endangering the lives of others on the vessel.

To save time, these inexperienced sailors sometimes disregard all the maritime navigation rules that are in place. When can navigation rules be overlooked? – if you are a navigator or sailor, look back to your novice years.

Sailing In Poor Visibility

When a sailor is sailing in a situation with poor visibility, then the rules of navigation are ignored. If the radar is not working properly, then the navigation rules can be ignored.

When climatic situations make it difficult to see, and visibility becomes a big issue, navigation rules are entirely ignored. That is when experience and intuition come into action.

What Are The Basic Rules Of Navigation?

The “rules of the road at sea,” or navigation regulations, apply to all boats. These regulations clearly indicate when to pass, approach, yield, and overtake other boats. The International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea (ColRegs) and the fundamental rules of the water should be familiarized with by all boaters, regardless of the size of their vessel.

For other masters to see your intentions, you should always move in a clear and deliberate manner. Never assume that the captain of a different boat will follow the rules; always be ready to prevent a collision.

To prevent collisions with other boats, the Colregs provide clear signals for passing, approaching, giving way, and overtaking. These are the rules for boat traffic.

Rules:

Here are some of the basic rules of navigation that you need to be aware of when at sea:

When navigating a river or channel, a boat must always operate on the starboard (right) side.
You have the right of way when a boat approaches from your starboard (right) side. You have right of way if you approach another boat from the starboard side. However, you must act to avoid collision if the other boat does not yield.
Each boat changes course to port (left) and changes course to port (right). Always assume that this is the case.
You have the option of overtaking a boat from either side of the one you want to pass. But you have to stay far away from the boat you’re passing. This is true for sailboats as well as powerboats.
The sailing boat with the wind on the port side must give way when there are two boats with wind on opposite sides.
The boat to windward must yield to the boat to leeward when both boats are facing the same direction.
Sail usually triumphs over power. However, this isn’t always the case. Due to their size, larger vessels, like ferries and container ships, are difficult to maneuver. By giving larger vessels a wide berth, masters of other boats, including sailboats, should always use common sense and good seamanship.

What Are The Consequences Of Overlooking Navigation Rules?

For those asking, “when can navigation rules are overlooked,” it is essential for you to know that there are severe consequences for not following the rules. And some of the effects that may befall you if you overlook the navigation rules are listed below.

They are endangering the environment.

The ship and its onboard passengers can get lost at sea.

With overlooking the navigation rules, a shipwreck is a strong possibility.

A hazardous environment on the ship can create a dangerous place for the people onboard. This can lead to health issues and even death.

The vessel and passengers can face legal trouble for not following the navigation rules.

Who May Depart From The Navigation Rules?

The navigation rules are set up for everyone’s safety and security, so not following them can be risky. However, some people ignore these rules to stay safe and do their work.

Please scroll down to see who these people are, who can overlook the navigation rules whenever they want.

Pirates And Illegal Fishermen

For pirates, the rules of navigation don’t apply. They are beyond any rules, which is why they are pirates. They do this so that law enforcement can’t catch them, and they can run away free. That is the same for fishermen who are fishing illegally.

Those In Imminent Danger

The recent enforcement requires maritime law that the answer to the question of when navigation rules are overlooked is during imminent danger. Escaping a dangerous situation is much more important than abiding by the law.

Research Vessels

Marine life science research vessels can easily deviate from the navigation rules. The study is based on marine life and the ocean, so they need help to go by the navigation rules.

Those Experiencing A Mental Health Crisis

If someone goes through a mental health problem on a vessel, they can let go of the rules. Instead, they don’t tend to follow them. In addition, if someone is emotionally distraught or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they might not follow the rules.

Wrapping Up!

Now that you know the situations and people who tend to ignore the navigation rules, your question of when navigation rules can be overlooked is answered. In these situations, people don’t regard such laws when they travel on international waters.

So if you want to know more about this topic, we have more articles on our website, so browse through them, but first give us a like and comment below.

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Nabamita Sinha

Nabamita Sinha loves to write about lifestyle and pop-culture. In her free time she loves to watch movies and TV series and experiment with food. Her favourite niche topics are fashion, lifestyle, travel and gossip content. Her style of writing is creative and quirky.

How Can You Avoid Travel Stress? Is Travel Anxiety Normal?

BY Sibashree Sep 8, 2025

Yes, travel anxiety is normal. From a family trip to a business trip, travel anxiety happens. Being a traveler and travel blog editor, it still happens to me! Also, the other day, I was reading a report on Newsweek about how Gen Z travelers on business trips feel super anxious. The report says, “A new survey conducted by Ipsos U.K. and commissioned by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) found that while 70 percent of Gen Z employees aged 18 to 28 look forward to traveling for work, more than half called the experience stressful.” Nevertheless, referring to where I started, every kind of trip can be stressful, especially if you are like me, who has to take care of the itinerary, all the bookings, and other stuff. I, in fact, feel more stressed before traveling with my family, as for business travels, there is at least some assistance from my office. So, for everyone, traveling is not as romantic as you may feel it is. Just the thought of being in a foreign location and not knowing anything—or knowing anyone—can bring about a lot of anxiety. It also doesn’t help to know that hundreds of things can go wrong during your trip. But travelling doesn’t have to be a pain because there are ways to avoid travel stress. From booking all inclusive holidays Thailand Phuket, to preparing yourself mentally, here are some tried-and-tested travel tips on how to handle travel stress. How To Handle Travel Stress? It Starts With Traveling The Way You Want To… See, there has been a paradigm shift in the way we travel these days, and this I am speaking from my personal experience. There are so many Instagram stories, reels, or moodboards playing in our heads that we create a vague image of what is ideal. But in reality, if you are not on a business trip, you don’t really need to fit in. You don’t need to have a bucket list of visiting XYZ places because everyone else is doing the same. 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Many of us assume that travel preparation includes simply arranging airfare and packing bags. However, we must realize that travel equals experiencing a new destination, which takes us out of our comfort zone and routine. So, before we completely lose ourselves in the disarray of travel preparation, it is really important to give ourselves time to prepare mentally for the trip. In addition to proper planning, be sure to squeeze in some familiar routines or activities in your travel schedule. For example, I am a coffee and bread person. So, I will not miss visiting the local coffee shop. However, I always look for a coffee shop near my hotel. Equally important, be sure to avoid last-minute preparation. For example, don’t pack your luggage the night before your early morning flight. It is a guaranteed way to make you tired and stressed before you even get on the airplane. I make sure that everything is ready at least a day or two in advance. 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Read Also: What to Consider When Choosing Vacation Destinations For Families | A Travel Planning Guide Road Trip Ready: How To Manage Motion Sickness And Still Enjoy The Ride Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Holiday Travel

Reasons To Buy Travel Insurance For Your Singapore Trip

BY Sibashree Dec 15, 2025

Singapore is fascinating. From the futuristic Gardens by the Bay to the colonial charm of Chinatown, there is something for everyone to enjoy. But what many travellers overlook is that even in such a well-organised destination, emergencies can occur when you least expect them. That is why buying travel insurance in Singapore before your trip is essential. It protects you from the following expenses. Medical Expenses Passport and Visa Issues Travel Delays Unexpected Costs that could otherwise derail your plans. Overall, you need to buy travel insurance for Singapore to ensure a seamless and safe experience in a busy country like Singapore. In this blog, I will discuss all these points in detail. I will also talk about how the travel insurance policy can make it easier and more adaptable for policyholders in the near future. What Are The Top Reasons To Buy Travel Insurance For Singapore? According to a report from Next Move Strategy Consulting (NMSC), the Singaporean travel insurance market is expected to reach 646.7 million by 2030. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the period of 2023 to 2030 is expected to be around 22.6%. So, it is clear that travel insurance for Singapore is considered to be a powerful tool for travelers who want to mitigate financial risks and combat unforeseen challenges with a pre-paid arrangement (insurance coverage). Here are the five major areas in which your travel insurance for Singapore trips will work as a protection shield. 1. Rising Medical Costs In Singapore Singapore’s healthcare system is among the best in Asia, often ranking within the global top ten. Private hospitals like Mount Elizabeth and Raffles Medical Centre offer top-tier services, but at premium costs. For tourists, a single emergency room visit can cost SGD 300-500, and hospitalisation may run into thousands per day, depending on the treatment required. Having international travel insurance means you are covered for these medical expenses. Most plans include cashless hospitalisation, 24/7 emergency assistance, and even medical evacuation if needed. 2. Protection Against Sudden Weather Disruptions Though Singapore enjoys a tropical climate, it is also prone to heavy rains and flash floods, especially from November to January. These weather conditions can delay flights or even cancel outdoor activities. A travel insurance plan compensates for losses due to flight delays, cancellations, or missed connections caused by bad weather. It is a small investment that prevents big disappointment, especially during unpredictable monsoon months. 3. Safety In Crowded Tourist Areas Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world. However, popular attractions like Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa Island, and Little India can still experience occasional pickpocketing or accidental loss of belongings. Travel insurance covers theft, loss, or damage to your baggage and personal items. So, if your camera goes missing at Garden by the Bay or your luggage is delayed at Changi Airport, you can claim reimbursement and continue enjoying your holiday with minimum hassle. 4. Passport And Visa Issues In A Foreign Country Losing your passport abroad is more than inconvenient. It can disrupt your entire travel schedule. In Singapore, you will need to file a police report at a neighbourhood police post and visit your country’s embassy for a replacement. Travel insurance Singapore covers all the expenses for obtaining a duplicate passport, emergency travel documents, and temporary accommodation during the process. Having this coverage ensures that even such stressful situations are manageable. 5. Coverage For Unexpected Health Issues Or Accidents Singapore’s outdoor attractions, from night safaris to cycling around the East Coast Park, invite plenty of adventure. But if you fall sick due to the humid climate, suffer food poisoning from spicy laksa, or experience a slip-and-fall accident, medical help can be expensive. Your travel insurance plan takes care of treatment costs, hospital stays, and prescribed medication so that you can focus on recovery instead of worrying about the bills. What Are The Challenges If I Want To Buy Travel Insurance For Singapore? Despite people acknowledging the importance of having travel insurance, the “comprehension” part remains the most challenging element about it. Also, the travel insurance policies often fail to cater to the changing demands of tourists. 1. Complex Policy Documents The complex wording of the policy documents often confuses the policyholders. Also, the coverage definitions are often inconsistent, and the legal jargon is difficult to understand and trust. This is especially a challenge for the aged policyholders and those who are buying the policy for the first time. 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Bangkok in the Rainy Season -What You Should Know

BY Sibashree Jul 21, 2025

Travel is all about enjoying the sunny weather with the light breeze blowing away your hair. But, unlike a sprinkle, torrential rain can literally ruin your entire trip. Making it one of the worst memories. So, it is kinda wise to check the rainy season prior to visiting that place. This way, you can avoid unnecessary hassles and know when to travel and what to do during this time. For instance, Bangkok’s rainy season spans from May through the beginning of November. And, when it rains there, it literally pours down buckets. So, be prepared to get stuck in some muddy puddles and flooded metropolis. Making it tenfold difficult to travel to your destinations or go for a city walk. But, if you are a rain lover, you should know about a few things before setting off to Bangkok. Here, I have brought you a complete guide on things to do in Bangkok’s rainy season. Stay tuned! Why Is Bangkok’s Rainy Season Considered Low Season? During the rainy season, the temperature drops to 26 degrees with humid weather. So, you will feel stuffy while traveling to tour spots. Moreover, the rain comes in bursts of torrential pouring. Turning the entire city into a flooded region. So, traveling or commuting becomes more difficult. And to top it off, the sky is mainly overcast with clouds all the time. Just killing the vibes. So, you won’t be able to enjoy the place. Naturally, this season earned the nickname of “Low Season” because of the mood-ruining weather and low tourist visits. What You Should Do In Bangkok’s Rainy Season? Here is a list of the things you need to do when you are stuck in Bangkok during the rainy season. 1. Wear Rubber Shoes The last thing you need is to walk around with nothing on your feet; wear strong rubber flip flops/sandals that are made for wet weather, and you will have no issues. A sturdy umbrella is always a wise thing to carry around in the rainy season, while a plastic anorak with a hood will save you if you get caught in a tropical downpour. Staying in one of the best hotels in Bangkok Sukhumvit puts you in the centre of the action, close to BTS stations. 2. Keep Your Digital Device Dry Buy one of those waterproof plastic bags for smartphones and store your device in there, along with paper money and your passport. If you get caught in a tropical storm, your stuff is very likely to get wet, and with a few dry bags, your stuff won’t get damaged. You can buy these online, and they come in packs of 10. Wear the bag around your neck and keep everything you need to keep dry inside. 3. Avoid Walking In Water Imagine being in the middle of a busy market, with stalls everywhere and electric cables in use; accidents can and do happen, so avoid walking in water whenever possible. Some foreigners take off their shoes and walk barefoot, which we don’t agree with. This is dangerous for many reasons. For instance, you could stand on broken glass, and a foot infection could follow. Thailand is the number one destination for wellness retreats. 4. Take Cover In A Shopping Mall If you are out and about and the heavens open, seek refuge in a nearby shopping mall, at least until the water has receded. A coffee shop would be the perfect solution, and they would welcome your business. One place you should not take shelter is under a tree, as lightning is common in tropical storms. Also, you should not be holding an umbrella when thunder and lightning are happening. 5. Afternoon Showers Rain typically falls in the late afternoon, and when it stops, the sun quickly dries everything out, and you would hardly know it had rained. It rarely drizzles in Thailand, the rain is heavy and the sun quickly returns. The exterior electrics in Thailand leave a lot to be desired and water and electricity do not mix. 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Mainly, the greatest and busiest attraction, Grand Palace in Bangkok, becomes a spot with relatively fewer people. So, you can spend some time enjoying the view and architecture without enduring the rushing crowds. Additionally, you can book tickets for the annual arts festivals in the International Festival Auditorium. Then, enjoy exploring different art forms and cultural excellence without wetting your feet in the rainy puddles. Along with that, you can go around Chinatown to dig into some of the mouthwatering delicacies. From exciting street foods to different flavored mooncakes, grab a bite of every kind of food. So, turn the wet trip into a memorable one with the right activities and fun-filled experiences. Just take measures to avoid the rain and indulge in a peaceful Bangkok tour. Read More: Exploring Southern Utah’s Hidden Dive Sites Haneda Vs Narita: Which Tokyo Airport Should You Choose For Your Next Trip? 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When Can Navigation Rules Be Overlooked?

What Do You Mean By Navigation Rules?