Maritime Law Update; Head-On vs. Crossing Situations: UK Court of Appeal Clarifies Maritime Collision Rules

April 24, 2026 - Owen Bird

A recent decision from the England and Wales Court of Appeal provides useful guidance on how courts are likely to determine whether vessels are in a “head‑on” or “crossing” situation under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (“COLREGs”). Although this is a UK decision, it provides useful guidance on how Canadian courts are likely to approach the issue.

The ruling in Monford Management Ltd. v Afina Navigation Limited [2025] EWCA Civ 251 (“The KIVELI”) rejects rigid, mathematical interpretations of the COLREGs in favour of a practical, common‑sense reading.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

(1)     THE VISUAL…