COLREG Rules
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
Part A — General(3)
- 1ApplicationThese Rules apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels.
- 2ResponsibilityNothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel from the consequences of neglecting these Rules or neglecting any precaution required by ordinary practice of seamanship.
- 3General DefinitionsDefines key terms used throughout the COLREGs including vessel, power-driven vessel, sailing vessel, restricted visibility, and more.
Part B, Sec. I — Any Visibility(7)
- 4ApplicationRules in Section I apply in any condition of visibility.
- 5Look-outEvery vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means.
- 6Safe SpeedEvery vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that proper and effective action can be taken to avoid collision.
- 7Risk of CollisionEvery vessel shall use all available means to determine if risk of collision exists. If in doubt, such risk shall be deemed to exist.
- 8Action to Avoid CollisionAny action to avoid collision shall be positive, made in ample time, and with due regard to good seamanship.
- 9Narrow ChannelsA vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel which lies on her starboard side.
- 10Traffic Separation SchemesVessels using traffic separation schemes shall proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow.
Part B, Sec. II — In Sight(8)
- 11ApplicationRules in this Section apply to vessels in sight of one another.
- 12Sailing VesselsWhen two sailing vessels approach, the one with wind on port side keeps clear. When both have wind on same side, the windward vessel keeps clear.
- 13OvertakingAny vessel overtaking another shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.
- 14Head-on SituationWhen two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, each shall alter course to starboard to pass port to port.
- 15Crossing SituationWhen two power-driven vessels are crossing, the vessel which has the other on her starboard side shall keep out of the way.
- 16Action by Give-way VesselEvery vessel directed to keep out of the way shall take early and substantial action to keep well clear.
- 17Action by Stand-on VesselThe stand-on vessel shall keep her course and speed, but may take action when it becomes apparent the give-way vessel is not acting.
- 18Responsibilities Between VesselsEstablishes the hierarchy of vessels: NUC > RAM > constrained by draft > fishing > sailing > power-driven.
Part B, Sec. III — Restricted Visibility(1)
Part C — Lights and Shapes(12)
- 20Application (Lights)Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise and during restricted visibility.
- 21Definitions (Lights)Defines masthead light, sidelights, sternlight, towing light, all-round light, flashing light, and special flashing light.
- 22Visibility of LightsSpecifies minimum visibility ranges for lights based on vessel length.
- 23Power-driven Vessels UnderwayPower-driven vessels underway shall exhibit masthead light(s), sidelights, and sternlight. Vessels 50m+ require two masthead lights.
- 24Towing and PushingVessels towing or pushing display additional masthead lights and a yellow towing light. Three masthead lights if tow exceeds 200m.
- 25Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under OarsSailing vessels show sidelights and sternlight. May optionally show red over green all-round lights at the masthead.
- 26Fishing VesselsFishing vessels show all-round red over white for trawling, or all-round red over white for other fishing, plus sidelights and sternlight when making way.
- 27Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Ability to ManoeuvreNUC shows two red all-round lights vertically. RAM shows red-white-red all-round lights vertically.
- 28Vessels Constrained by Their DraughtA vessel constrained by draught may display three all-round red lights in a vertical line, or a cylinder day shape.
- 29Pilot VesselsA pilot vessel on duty shows white over red all-round lights at the masthead. When underway, also sidelights and sternlight.
- 30Anchored Vessels and Vessels AgroundAnchored vessels show an all-round white light forward and another aft (lower). Vessels aground additionally show two red all-round lights.
- 31SeaplanesWhere it is impracticable for a seaplane to exhibit lights of the exact characteristics, it shall exhibit lights as closely similar as possible.
Part D — Sound and Light Signals(6)
- 32Definitions (Sound Signals)Defines short blast (about 1 second) and prolonged blast (4 to 6 seconds).
- 33Equipment for Sound SignalsVessels 12m+ must carry a whistle and bell. Vessels 100m+ must also carry a gong.
- 34Manoeuvring and Warning SignalsOne short blast = altering to starboard. Two short blasts = altering to port. Three short blasts = operating astern propulsion.
- 35Sound Signals in Restricted VisibilityIn restricted visibility, power-driven vessels making way sound one prolonged blast every 2 minutes. Vessels not making way sound two prolonged blasts.
- 36Signals to Attract AttentionIf necessary to attract attention, a vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any prescribed signal.
- 37Distress SignalsWhen in distress and requiring assistance, vessels shall use the signals described in Annex IV (red flares, SOS, MAYDAY, etc.).
Part E — Exemptions(1)
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