Polesie–Verity Collision (2023): COLREGs, Case Law & Stand-On Vessel Errors

The collision between the bulk carrier Polesie and the general cargo ship Verity on 24 October 2023 has quickly become one of the most instructive modern case studies in the application—and misapplication—of the 1972 COLREGs.

In this episode, Barry examines the official investigation report and unpacks the collision as a classic crossing situation that deteriorated through compounding human and procedural failures on both bridges.

As the give-way vessel, Verity failed to take early and substantial action to keep clear, allowing the developing risk of collision to persist. At the same time, Polesie, as the stand-on vessel, did not maintain a steady and predictable course and speed, instead making a series of small, incremental alterations to port. Rather than clarifying intentions, these adjustments increased ambiguity and undermined the expectations of the other vessel.

Barry also explores the absence of effective bridge-to-bridge communication, noting how VTS radio configuration and operating practice may have contributed to a lack of direct dialogue at a critical stage. The absence of a Voyage Data Recorder on Verity further complicated the investigation, limiting the ability to fully reconstruct the final moments and the decision-making process on the bridge.

Crucially, this episode goes beyond the report itself.

Barry highlights areas where he believes the investigation did not go far enough, particularly in its reliance on case law comparisons. He discusses how retrospective legal framing can skew causation analysis and why this presents a real danger for future navigational decision-making, training, and examiner interpretation.

This is not just an accident review — it is a practical, cautionary discussion on how COLREGs are applied at sea, how they are later judged ashore, and where that gap can mislead mariners.