Ample information is available on the growth-process of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972. However, after having been set to words little has been published in the Netherlands to assist the ‘men on the bridge’ in the practical use of these Rules of the Road. In the Netherlands—as elsewhere—seafarers have attended courses which dealt with the use and interpretation ol the revised Rules. Little is known of deliberations and consultations between national and international Institutions and consequently it must be feared that mariners have not been uniformly advised.