COLREG
COLREG 72: Rules of the Road, Steering and Sailing Protocols, Navigation Lights and Collision Avoidance
The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG 72) serve as the fundamental legal and operational framework for watchkeeping officers across all oceans. This specialized section provides clear breakdowns, practical radar vector interpretations, and operational guidance designed to eliminate ambiguity during close-quarters situations and complex multi-vessel encounters.
Review comprehensive technical resources covering Part B Steering and Sailing Rules (Rule 10 Traffic Separation Schemes, Rule 13 Overtaking, Rule 14 Head-on situations, and Rule 15 Crossing geometry), give-way and stand-on duties under Rules 16 and 17, action to avoid collision under Rule 8, Part C lights and day shapes for specialized vessel statuses (NUC, RAM, CBD, Fishing, and Aground), and Part D sound and light signals in restricted visibility.
Part B Steering:
Rules 4–19, Head-On, Crossing, TSS, RV
Rules 4–19, Head-On, Crossing, TSS, RV
Part C Lights/Shapes:
Rules 20–31, NUC, RAM, Pilot, Aground
Rules 20–31, NUC, RAM, Pilot, Aground
Part D Sound:
Rules 32–37, Fog Signals, Manoeuvring Blasts
Rules 32–37, Fog Signals, Manoeuvring Blasts
