Part ABasic
Rule 1: Application
Defines exactly where COLREG applies and how local/special rules fit without breaking international consistency.
Detailed Explanation
This rule sets the legal scope of COLREG and explains who can add special rules:
A
General scope — COLREG applies to all vessels on the high seas and connected waters navigable by seagoing vessels. In practice: if seagoing traffic can use it, start from COLREG.
B
Local special rules — competent authorities may issue special rules for roadsteads, harbours, rivers, lakes and inland waterways connected to the sea. These local rules must conform as closely as possible to COLREG.
C
State special rules — governments may prescribe additional lights, shapes or whistle signals for warships, convoys, and fleet fishing. Those extra signals should be designed so they are not confused with standard COLREG signals.
D
Traffic Separation Schemes — IMO may adopt TSS under these Rules. So published IMO schemes are part of operational compliance.
E
Special-construction vessels — if a vessel cannot fully comply with light/shape/sound appliance provisions due to design or purpose, its government must require the closest possible compliance.
Key Points
- Scope: high seas + all connected navigable waters
- Local rules complement COLREG, never override safety
- TSS adopted by IMO form part of COLREG compliance
- Special-build vessels must comply as closely as possible
Examples
- Entering an inland fairway connected to the sea, you apply COLREG and also check published local harbour rules.
- A naval convoy shows additional lights: you treat them as special-state signals and still keep COLREG separation.
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring local harbour by-laws because 'COLREG is enough'.
- Assuming COLREG does not apply in rivers or estuaries connected to the sea.
- Forgetting that governments may prescribe additional signals for warships or fishing fleets beyond standard COLREG.