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Table of Contents

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Title: Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs) - Consolidated edition, 2018
Author: International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Year: 2018

My Reference Notes #

Summary of the COLREGs

Rule Number	Rule Summary
Rule 1	Application: The rules apply to all vessels on the high seas and navigable waters connected to the high seas.
Rule 2	Responsibility: Vessel operators are responsible for adhering to the rules and taking any necessary action to avoid collisions.
Rule 3	General Definitions: Defines key terms such as “vessel,” “power-driven vessel,” “sailing vessel,” etc.
Rule 4	Application (Visibility): Rules in this section apply in any condition of visibility.
Rule 5	Look-out: Every vessel must maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing to assess the situation and risk of collision.
Rule 6	Safe Speed: Vessels must proceed at a safe speed to avoid collisions, considering visibility, traffic, and maneuverability.
Rule 7	Risk of Collision: Vessels must use all available means to determine if a risk of collision exists.
Rule 8	Action to Avoid Collision: Actions to avoid collision must be taken in accordance with the rules, made in ample time, and be positive.
Rule 9	Narrow Channels: Vessels navigating narrow channels must keep to the starboard side and avoid impeding other vessels.
Rule 10	Traffic Separation Schemes: Vessels must adhere to traffic separation schemes, following lanes and avoiding crossing.
Rule 11	Application (Vessels in Sight of One Another): Rules in this section apply to vessels in sight of each other.
Rule 12	Sailing Vessels: When two sailing vessels are approaching each other, one must yield based on wind direction.
Rule 13	Overtaking: Any vessel overtaking another must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.
Rule 14	Head-on Situation: Power-driven vessels meeting on reciprocal courses must alter course to starboard to pass port-to-port.
Rule 15	Crossing Situation: The vessel with another on its starboard side must yield and avoid crossing ahead.
Rule 16	Action by Give-way Vessel: The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to avoid a collision.
Rule 17	Action by Stand-on Vessel: The stand-on vessel should maintain course and speed but may take action if the give-way vessel is not acting.
Rule 18	Responsibilities Between Vessels: Defines the responsibilities between different types of vessels, such as power-driven, sailing, and fishing vessels.
Rule 19	Conduct in Restricted Visibility: Vessels must proceed at a safe speed in restricted visibility and use radar if available to detect other vessels.
Rule 20	Lights and Shapes: Specifies the lights and shapes vessels must display under various conditions.
Rule 21	Definitions (Lights and Shapes): Defines specific lights and shapes, such as masthead lights, sidelights, and sternlights.
Rule 22	Visibility of Lights: Details the visibility ranges required for different lights depending on the size of the vessel.
Rule 23	Power-driven Vessels Underway: Specifies the lights power-driven vessels must display when underway.
Rule 24	Towing and Pushing: Outlines the lights and shapes required for vessels engaged in towing or pushing.
Rule 25	Sailing Vessels Underway: Specifies the lights sailing vessels must display when underway and when under oars.
Rule 26	Fishing Vessels: Outlines the lights and shapes required for vessels engaged in fishing.
Rule 27	Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Ability to Maneuver: Details the lights and shapes for vessels that are not under command or restricted in their ability to maneuver.
Rule 28	Vessels Constrained by Their Draught: Defines the lights to be displayed by vessels constrained by their draught.
Rule 29	Pilot Vessels: Specifies the lights for vessels engaged in pilotage duty.
Rule 30	Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground: Details the lights and shapes for vessels at anchor or aground.
Rule 31	Seaplanes: Specifies the lights and shapes for seaplanes on the water.
Rule 32	Definitions (Sound and Light Signals): Defines terms such as “whistle,” “short blast,” and “prolonged blast.”
Rule 33	Equipment for Sound Signals: Specifies the sound signaling equipment required on vessels.
Rule 34	Manoeuvring and Warning Signals: Outlines the sound signals vessels must use when maneuvering or in doubt of another vessel’s intentions.
Rule 35	Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility: Details the sound signals to be used in restricted visibility.
Rule 36	Signals to Attract Attention: Allows vessels to use any light or sound signals necessary to attract attention in emergencies.
Rule 37	Distress Signals: Lists the signals vessels must use to indicate distress and request assistance.
Rule 38	Exemptions: Allows for exemptions to the rules under certain conditions, particularly for older vessels.
Rule 39-41	Verification of Compliance: Introduces rules for verifying compliance with the COLREGs through audits and inspections.