It has become increasingly apparent that there is a pressing need to amend the Collision Regulations with special regard for the requirements of high-speed vessels. My experience as a Commander of a hydrofoil on a scheduled passenger service, in an area of high traffic density, has led me to write this paper and to add weight to the argument in favour of an early alteration of the existing Rules.

There are more and more types of vessel today capable of speeds in excess of 40 and indeed up to 60 or more knots. In the Solent area alone, there are two hovercraft services and a hydrofoil service. In addition there are the experimental craft of the National Physical Laboratory, the Inter-Service Hovercraft Unit and several manufacturers use the area as a testing ground for their vessels. There are all types of high-speed vehicles proceeding in all directions, at speeds which 10 years ago would have been considered impossible.