COLREGs Navigation Rules

Navigation Rules

• COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) are a set of rules governing navigation and vessel traffic
• Apply to all vessels, including sailing vessels, power-driven vessels, and vessels engaged in fishing
• Rules are divided into three main sections:
  • Steering and Sailing Rules (Rules 1-10)
  • Lights and Shapes (Rules 20-31)
  • Sound Signals (Rules 32-37)

Lights And Shapes

• Vessels are required to display specific lights and shapes to indicate their position, direction, and status
• Lights:
  • Masthead light: forward and highest on the vessel
  • Sidelights: green on the starboard side and red on the port side
  • Sternlight: aft and lowest on the vessel
  • Anchor light: displayed when at anchor
• Shapes:
  • Ball: indicates a vessel is at anchor
  • Cone: indicates a vessel is underway with a tow
  • Cylinder: indicates a vessel is restricted in its ability to maneuver

Sound Signals

• Vessels are required to use sound signals to communicate with other vessels in situations where a collision may occur
• Sound signals:
  • Whistle: used to signal intentions or warnings
  • Bell: used to signal a vessel's position in fog
  • Gong: used to signal a vessel's position in fog
• Specific signals are used to indicate:
  • A vessel's approach to another vessel
  • A vessel's intention to pass or overtake
  • A vessel's presence in fog

Vessel Traffic

• COLREGs regulate vessel traffic to prevent collisions and promote safe navigation
• Rules governing vessel traffic include:
  • Vessel separation: minimum distances required between vessels
  • Vessel speed: restrictions on speed in certain areas
  • Traffic lanes: designated lanes for vessel traffic
  • Vessel priority: rules governing which vessel has priority in a given situation

Navigation Rules

• COLREGs are a set of international rules governing navigation and vessel traffic
• Apply to all vessels, including sailing vessels, power-driven vessels, and vessels engaged in fishing

Steering and Sailing Rules

• Rules 1-10 govern steering and sailing practices
• Include rules for vessel conduct in various situations

Lights and Shapes

• Vessels must display specific lights and shapes to indicate their position, direction, and status
• Lights include:
  • Masthead light (forward and highest on the vessel)
  • Sidelights (green on starboard, red on port)
  • Sternlight (aft and lowest on the vessel)
  • Anchor light (displayed when at anchor)
• Shapes include:
  • Ball (indicates a vessel is at anchor)
  • Cone (indicates a vessel is underway with a tow)
  • Cylinder (indicates a vessel is restricted in its ability to maneuver)

Sound Signals

• Vessels must use sound signals to communicate with other vessels in situations where a collision may occur
• Sound signals include:
  • Whistle (signals intentions or warnings)
  • Bell (signals a vessel's position in fog)
  • Gong (signals a vessel's position in fog)
• Specific signals indicate:
  • A vessel's approach to another vessel
  • A vessel's intention to pass or overtake
  • A vessel's presence in fog

Vessel Traffic

• COLREGs regulate vessel traffic to prevent collisions and promote safe navigation
• Rules governing vessel traffic include:
  • Vessel separation (minimum distances required between vessels)
  • Vessel speed (restrictions on speed in certain areas)
  • Traffic lanes (designated lanes for vessel traffic)
  • Vessel priority (rules governing which vessel has priority in a given situation)