The Rules — verbatim
MSN 1781 — MSN 1781 (M+F): Rules text stated on the document as amended through IMO Res A.910(22); read with MSN 1781 (M+F) Amendment 3 (21 Nov 2023, current — replaces Amendment 2; scope-only change for the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023). Per Amendment 2 Appendix 2, the only later wording changes are Annex IV (A.1004(25)) and new Part F Rules 39-41 (A.1085(28)).
Independent preparatory study aligned to the MCA OOW (Yachts <3000 GT) oral examination syllabus. Not an MCA-approved course and confers no credit toward a Certificate of Competency.
Part A — General
Part B — Steering and Sailing · Section I — Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility
Part B — Steering and Sailing · Section II — Conduct of vessels in sight of one another
Part B — Steering and Sailing · Section III — Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility
Part C — Lights and Shapes
- Rule 20Application
- Rule 21Definitions
- Rule 22Visibility of lights
- Rule 23Power-driven vessels underway
- Rule 24Towing and pushing
- Rule 25Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars
- Rule 26Fishing Vessels
- Rule 27Vessels not under command or restricted in
- Rule 28Vessels constrained by their draught
- Rule 29Pilot vessels
- Rule 30Anchored vessels and vessels aground
- Rule 31Seaplanes
Part D — Sound and Light Signals
Part E — Exemptions
Part F — Verification of compliance
Annexes
Contains public sector information reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: MSN 1781 (GOV.UK).