(a) Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any
vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof, from the consequences
of any neglect to comply with these Rules or of the neglect of any
precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen,
or by the special circumstances of the case.
(b) In construing and complying with these Rules
due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision
and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the
vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary
to avoid immediate danger.