When can a Navigation Rule be overlooked?

The circumstance under which a Navigation Rule can be overlooked is specifically when it is necessary to avoid immediate danger. This principle is grounded in the fundamental objective of navigation rules, which is to ensure safety on the water. If a situation arises where following a rule would result in a collision, capsizing, or another form of imminent danger, the priority shifts to taking action that will prevent such an incident.

This flexibility within the rules allows boat operators to make judgment calls based on the safety of themselves and others on the water. The other scenarios, while potentially challenging, do not universally provide grounds for disregarding navigation rules. For instance, bad weather may require adjustments to navigation tactics but does not inherently justify ignoring established rules. Additionally, racing or navigating narrow channels comes with its own set of rules intended to ensure safety and cooperation among vessels, thus those situations require strict adherence rather than the overlooking of rules.