Under what conditions can there be a departure from the Rules?

Departure from the Rules of the Road is permissible primarily to avoid immediate danger. This principle is grounded in the fundamental responsibility of mariners to prioritize safety on the water. When a vessel encounters a situation that poses a direct threat to its safety or the safety of other vessels, navigating away from the standardized protocols established by the Rules is justified.

For instance, if a vessel is in danger of colliding with another vessel or running aground due to sudden changes in weather or other hazardous conditions, the operator is obligated to take action that ensures the safety of all involved, even if it means deviating from pre-established navigation rules. The emphasis here is on the essential need to protect life and property in critical situations where adherence to the Rules could exacerbate danger or lead to accidents.

Other options suggest motivations such as making a faster passage, acting on uncertainty, or assisting another vessel, which do not align with the core intention of the Rules. While the latter scenarios might involve considerations of maritime cooperation or efficiency, they do not take precedence over the immediate responsibility to avoid danger when it arises.