COLREGS 72 - Navigation Rules Quiz

General Principles

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) were established in 1972 to ensure safe navigation and prevent maritime accidents.
The rules apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all navigable waters.

Rule 1 - Application
- Applies to all vessels on the high seas and in all waters navigable by seagoing vessels.
- Mandatory for vessels of all types, including fishing boats and recreational vessels.
Rule 2 - Responsibility
- Vessels must take all necessary measures to avoid collisions.
- No specific rule absolves a vessel of responsibility.
Rule 3 - General Definitions
- Defines terms such as "vessel," "underway," "restricted visibility," and "safe speed."
Rule 4 - Application of Rules in Restricted Visibility
- Applies to vessels navigating in conditions of restricted visibility, regardless of the type of vessel.
Rule 5 - Lookout
- Every vessel must maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing, and by all available means.
Rule 6 - Safe Speed
- Vessels must travel at a safe speed to allow for proper stopping distances and maneuvers to avoid collisions.
Rule 7 - Risk of Collision
- Vessels must assess the risk of collision and take necessary actions to avoid it.
Rule 8 - Action to Avoid Collision
- Vessels must take early and substantial action to avoid collisions.
- Actions should be clear, visible, and predictable.
Rule 9 - Narrow Channels
- Vessels must navigate through narrow channels with caution, following specific guidelines regarding vessel interactions.
Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes
- Vessels must follow established traffic separation schemes to ensure organized maritime traffic flow.
Rule 11 - Application
- Addresses vessels engaged in various operations and how they relate to other vessels in terms of right of way.
Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels
- Rules governing interactions between sailing vessels, including right of way and when to give way.
Rule 13 - Overtaking
- A vessel overtaking another must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.
Rule 14 - Head-on Situation
- When two vessels approach each other head-on, both must alter course to starboard to avoid collision.
Rule 15 - Crossing Situation
- When two vessels are crossing, the vessel which has the other on its starboard side must give way.
Rule 16 - Action by Give-way Vessel
- The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to keep clear of the stand-on vessel.
Rule 17 - Action by Stand-on Vessel
- The stand-on vessel should maintain its course and speed unless it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking effective action.
Rule 18 - Responsibilities between Vessels
- Outlines responsibilities for various types of vessels, such as vessels not under command, vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver, and vessels engaged in fishing.

Additional Considerations

Rules are designed to be flexible, allowing for judgments based on circumstances.
Vessels must also consider local regulations and maritime customs, which can supplement COLREGS.

Conclusion

Understanding and applying COLREGS 72 is crucial for safe maritime navigation and preventing collisions at sea.

General Principles

Established in 1972, COLREGS aim to enhance maritime safety by preventing collisions at sea.
Applicable to all types of vessels on high seas and navigable waters, including recreational and fishing boats.

Rule 1 - Application: Rules are mandatory for all vessels, ensuring universal compliance.
Rule 2 - Responsibility: All vessels must take proactive measures to avert collisions; no absolution of responsibility is permitted.
Rule 3 - General Definitions: Key terms such as "vessel," "underway," and "restricted visibility" are formally defined to establish clarity in interpretation.
Rule 4 - Restricted Visibility: Enforces application of rules for all vessels when navigating in limited visibility conditions.
Rule 5 - Lookout: Emphasizes the need for vigilant watch by all available means, including sight and hearing.
Rule 6 - Safe Speed: Mandates vessels travel at speeds adequate for safe stopping and maneuvering.
Rule 7 - Risk of Collision: Requires vessels to continually assess the risk of collisions and act accordingly.
Rule 8 - Action to Avoid Collision: Calls for early and decisive action to prevent collisions, ensuring maneuvers are clear and predictable.
Rule 9 - Narrow Channels: Directs vessels to navigate cautiously in narrow channels, adhering to specific interaction guidelines.
Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes: Encourages vessels to adhere to established traffic separation schemes for organized navigation.
Rule 11 - Application: Discusses operational interactions and right of way among various vessel types.
Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels: Defines right of way rules for sailing vessels and situations requiring vessels to give way.
Rule 13 - Overtaking: States that vessels overtaking others must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken.
Rule 14 - Head-on Situation: Both approaching vessels must turn to starboard to prevent collisions.
Rule 15 - Crossing Situation: The vessel with another to its starboard side is required to give way.
Rule 16 - Action by Give-way Vessel: The give-way vessel must take prompt action to avoid the stand-on vessel.
Rule 17 - Action by Stand-on Vessel: The stand-on vessel should maintain speed unless the give-way vessel fails to act effectively.
Rule 18 - Responsibilities between Vessels: Specifies duties for vessels not under command, those restricted in maneuverability, and fishing vessels.

Additional Considerations

COLREGS provide flexibility for decision-making based on situational context.
Local regulations and maritime customs may supplement COLREGS, reflecting regional navigation practices.