COLREGS Rule 5: Lookout, Law & Liability

21 May 2026 01:00PM - 05:00PM Fleetwood Nautical Campus | Fleetwood, Lancashire, United Kingdom Branch UK/North West England & North Wales

The North West England & North Wales Branch of The Nautical Institute is delighted to host its next FNC technical workshop on 21 May:

Recent events where there’s been ineffective or non-existent lookout have resulted in collision and loss of life. These tragedies are appalling and preventable. The untimely death of seafarers visits incalculable trauma on family, friends, and shipmates.

In a mock trial, we will examine a real-life case study and learn how these incidents occur and – most crucial of all – try to establish why. We will look at the different perspectives of all the involved stakeholders with the aim of changing the thinking and thus the behaviours of those under training, those already holding a watch, those in command, and those in management.  Finally, to drive home the consequences of sub-standard performance, quite apart from injury and death, we will emphasise the legal consequences for those who break the Rules.

Objectives of the day:

At the end of the workshop, participants will:

  • understand COLREGS Rule 5;
  • have witnessed a mock trial featuring a case study involving ineffective lookout and non-compliance; and,
  • have critiqued actions and consequences accordingly.

Programme:

Time

Activity

1300

Arrival/check in

Light refreshments* in the Refectory

Briefing for the day

1330

The Court Sits

1500

Verdict Given

1530

Actual vs Mock Trial comparison

1600

Group discussions and feedback

1700

End of workshop

1900

Dinner** at The North Euston Hotel, Fleetwood FY7 6BN (Prior booking essential)
*The cost of the light refreshments will be met by the Branch.
**The Dinner cost is £35 per head / £10 for AMNIS student members (this subsidised rate applies only to Cadets and Apprentices studying towards their first CoC).  (i) Drinks extra, to own account; (ii) We will need to pre-order evening meals, so the menu will be circulated to registrants upon completion.  Once your place has been confirmed, we will kindly request pre-payment (please note there is a no-refund policy).

 

To register for the workshop and/or the dinner, please click here - preferably before 1 May, to secure your place.

For any other questions, please contact the Branch directly at ninw.branch@nautinst.org.

We hope to see you there!

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