Book review - Reeds Marine Deck, Collision Regulations Handbook - Simon Jinks

Title : 1 Reeds Marine Deck, Collision Regulations Handbook

Author : Simon Jinks

ISBN: PB: 978-1-3994-0221-7 ePub: 978-1-3994-0222-4 ePDF: 978-1-3994-0223-1

Published by Reeds - Bloomsbury Publishing Limited

Type : Paperback, also available as an ePub and ePDF

Extent: ix, 208

Size: 156mm x 233mm - Royal Octavo

Price : RRP £27.00

Author : Simon Jinks

The Reeds Marine Deck Collision Regulations Handbook - Simon Jinks

The Reeds Marine Deck Collision Regulations Handbook is the first of two books aimed at deck officer students and professionals.

This book contains the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision At Sea (ColRegs). The author, Simon Jinks delivers straightforward explanations of the ColRegs, rule by rule, alongside clear diagrams. This provides students and professionals with the clarity and support they need to learn, understand and recall the rules whether they are preparing for an exam or dealing with real-life situations. There are 75 test questions, plus useful techniques for answering ColRegs questions in MCA exam conditions.

The full colour book is divided in to colour coded sections covering each Part of the ColRegs from Parts A-F and the four annexes. They are followed by chapters entitled Watchkeeping, Exam Preparation, Radar and Basic Plotting, Questions and Appendices. The appendices include MGN 324, 364, 369 and 379. MGN 324 refers to Operational guidance on the use of VHF and AIS at sea. MGN364 refers to Traffic Separation Schemes - application of Rule 10 and Navigation in the Dover Strait. MGN 369 refers to Navigation in restricted visibility. MGN 379 refers to the use of electronic navigation aids.

The book starts with a short introduction  - Understanding the Collision Regulations, and this includes a brief history of rules for avoiding collision. The author then explains the layout of the book : ‘This book is to assist those who have need to have a deeper knowledge of the collision regulations at sea. It is set out that the rule is quoted, followed by the author’s explanation of the rule in yellow boxes.”

The Introduction concludes with a page of abbreviations and the list of Parts and an explanation of the Contents page. 

It is clear from the outset of reading Part A - General, that the author’s explanations in the yellow boxes are a major feature of this publication. Information that a student or professional seafarer would not normally come across is outlined and makes for interesting and informative reading. For instance, the author refers to mentions of ‘right of way’ in the North American Great Lakes, whereas the standard Collision Regulations make no mention of a vessel having ‘right of way’ over another. The author’s comments in the yellow boxes give greater meaning to the rules than just the rules themselves. It brings the rules to life, rather than a text that requires learning and remembering.  

Contents Page - Reeds Marine Deck, Collision Regulations Handbook - Simon Jinks

The full colour book is divided in to colour coded sections covering each Part of the ColRegs from Parts A-F and the four annexes. 

This book analyses the Rules of the Road in greater depth and is aimed at deck officer students and professionals. The author refers to the Merchant Shipping Act, (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/21) an extensive document which is made up of 13 Parts within which Sections 1 - 316 are listed. Additionally, there are 14 Schedules. This is a substantial document and one that needs to be referred to in conjunction with reading this book. Additionally, the IMO STCW Code is referenced, and so too MGNs, The Maritime Guidance Notices (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/marine-guidance-notices-mgns) which makes this book a starting point for other crucial investigations in order to fully understand the complexities of some of the rules. The fact that the author makes these references and informs the reader to refer to them is a fantastic resource within the book.

The explanations in the yellow boxes add a greater understanding of the rules and pinpoint real-life situations where the rules would apply.

PART A GENERAL - Reeds Marine Deck, Collision Regulations Handbook - Simon Jinks

The rules themselves will be familiar to any seafarer who has studied them as part of their training, and this book lays them out clearly for ease of reference and recall. The explanations in the yellow boxes add a greater understanding of the rules and pinpoint real-life situations where the rules would apply. Additionally, there are examples of in depth analysis of rules, for example  Rule 17, with clear illustrations to help describe the rule and the explanations by the author. (See page 55). The many illustrations help balance the text in an informative way and leads the reader to research the rule in greater detail.

Page 55 - Reeds Marine Deck, Collision Regulations Handbook - Simon Jinks

There are examples of in depth analysis of rules, for example Rule 17, with clear illustrations to help describe the rule and the explanations by the author.

This book differs from a standard Yachtmaster reference book with references to OOW and bridge practices within the text; for instance, p 126 “Good bridge practice..”, p127, “Notifying the Master. The OOW shall notify the Master immediately:” with a list of crucial information. The Chapter on Exam Preparation refers to the student revising for the OOW, Mate or Master’s exam. Though an aspiring Yachtmaster would be familiar with much of the text, the book is aimed at a higher level. This section gives an insight into what the examiner is looking for from a candidate. It is not just about knowing the rules, it is about how to apply them correctly.  

Page 126 - Performing The Navigational Watch - Reeds Marine Deck, Collision Regulations Handbook - Simon Jinks

Page 127 - Notifying the Master - Reeds Marine Deck, Collision Regulations Handbook - Simon Jinks

It is a useful reference book for anyone who has studied in the past and needs to refresh terms and acronyms. The chapter on Radar and Plotting Basics assumes previous knowledge and experience of using radar in practice, however the information on SOLAS Regulations on radar plotting aids is so important and useful, as students may not have had experience of working on larger vessels and do not understand the regulations pertaining to larger vessels. The examples are invaluable too as they provide a clear method for the plotting of a contact in relation to our own vessel. 

There are seventy five questions listed in the book, all with their respective answers below each one, many of which have illustrations., that would be vital for a student in their preparation for MCA examinations. These are an essential starting point for a student to prepare for an exam and demonstrate to the student the discipline needed to answer each question thoroughly and accurately.

The Appendices are an informative and vital part of the book and refer to the MGNs listed above. They are included as part of the reference material for this book, but also as a reminder to the student that reading and learning the Rules should not be done in isolation from other material and sources. The MGNs are a vital part of the seafarer’s library and should be referenced regularly and systematically. 

The index is concise and essentially useful, as a quick reference for any subject referred to within the book, the assumption being that the reader has previous knowledge and has the ability to make further references from other sources if that may be required.

The author acknowledges the MCA for the reproduction of the MGNs in his Sources, with a web link to each of them. A diligent student would be wise to research each MGN as part of their preparation for examination. The methodology shown here will inspire the student to study further and more expansively than just those listed in the Sources.

Reeds Marine Deck, Collision Regulations Handbook is published alongside a second publication by the same author entitled “Crammer for Deck Officer Oral Exams” (Reeds, Jinks, 978-1-4729-108-9) which will be reviewed separately. Both books go together as essential reading for any seafarer who is undertaking training and examination for deck oral exams. 

Both these publications, with their clear layout and explanatory text and images will become leading reference texts for years to come. As the author states, they are not to replace the main source of data such as the Conventions, Codes, Circulars, M Notices or industry best practice documents, as these are where we get the whole picture and not just words in isolation. 

Meuryn Hughes

November 2024