22.40 Responsibility

(1) Nothing in this Part will exonerate any vessel, its owner, master, or crew, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with this Part, or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seafarers, or the special circumstances of the case.

(2) In interpreting and complying with these rules, due regard must be given to all dangers of navigation, collision, and any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, that may make a departure from the rules of this Part necessary to avoid immediate danger.