IALACOLREG
1

Application

These Rules apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels.

Rule 1 establishes the scope of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). These rules apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith which are navigable by seagoing vessels.

a
Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of special rules made by an appropriate authority for roadsteads, harbours, rivers, lakes or inland waterways connected with the high seas and navigable by seagoing vessels. Such special rules shall conform as closely as possible to these Rules.
b
Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of any special rules made by the Government of any State with respect to additional station or signal lights, shapes or whistle signals for ships of war and vessels proceeding under convoy, or with respect to additional station or signal lights or shapes for fishing vessels engaged in fishing as a fleet.
c
Any requirement of these Rules that is altered by an applicable traffic separation scheme may be adjusted accordingly.

Puntos Clave

1

Applies to all vessels on high seas and connected navigable waters

2

Local authorities may make special rules for harbours and inland waters

3

Special rules must conform as closely as possible to COLREGs

4

Government rules for warships and fishing fleets take precedence

Errores Frecuentes

Assuming COLREGs only apply to commercial vessels

Ignoring local harbour regulations that supplement COLREGs

Pon a Prueba tus Conocimientos

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