Legal Definitions - collision

In maritime law, a collision primarily describes the contact between two or more moving vessels. While technically distinct, the term is sometimes used more broadly to also encompass an allision, which occurs when a moving vessel strikes a stationary object.

In maritime law, a collision specifically refers to an incident where two or more vessels, all of which are actively in motion, make physical contact with each other. This term is used to describe impacts between moving ships, boats, or other watercraft.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of a collision:

• Example 1: Cargo Ships in a Shipping Lane

  Two large container ships, both actively navigating a busy international shipping channel, misjudge their respective courses and distances. As a result, one vessel's bow scrapes against the other's stern, causing significant structural damage to both ships.

  This scenario illustrates a collision because it involves two distinct vessels (the container ships) that were both underway and actively maneuvering when they made physical contact.

• Example 2: Ferry and Recreational Boat in a Harbor

  A passenger ferry, departing its dock and slowly moving through a crowded harbor, accidentally strikes a smaller recreational sailboat that was also under sail, attempting to cross the ferry's path. Both vessels were actively navigating at the time of impact.

  This is an example of a collision because both the ferry and the sailboat were in motion and actively being operated when the impact occurred.

• Example 3: Fishing Trawlers at Sea

  During a fishing expedition in open waters, two commercial fishing trawlers, both actively deploying their nets and maneuvering to maintain their positions, unexpectedly drift into each other due to a sudden strong current and a miscommunication between their crews.

  This situation is classified as a collision because it involves two fishing vessels, both actively engaged in navigation and movement, making physical contact with one another.