Editorial Methodology
Every page on IALACOLREG is built against primary regulatory texts, technically reviewed, and versioned with a dateModified stamp. Here is exactly how.
1. Sourcing
Primary sources only. Rule text is aligned with the IMO COLREG 1972 Convention as amended, the IALA Maritime Buoyage System, the IMO STCW Convention, and SOLAS where applicable. National-authority nuances (DGMM in Spain, MCA in the UK, USCG in the United States) are cited explicitly when they diverge.
2. Writing
We write for the seafarer first. Every rule page leads with a 30-60 word self-contained TL;DR, then covers when it applies, the duties it imposes, common misreadings, relationships to sibling rules, exam traps, and a short FAQ. Jargon is linked to the glossary on first mention.
3. Review
Every rule and every guide is technically reviewed against the source regulation before publication. Questions and explanations are cross-checked against IMO model course materials and commonly-used national exam pools.
4. Updates
We review every rule page at least quarterly and bump the dateModified when any substantive edit ships. IMO amendments and IALA guideline updates are tracked and reflected in-place rather than as new pages.
5. Corrections
We welcome corrections. Spot something wrong? Email corrections@ialacolreg.com with the URL and the specific passage — we triage within 72 hours.