COLREGs
The COLREGs — the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (1972) — are the international “rules of the road” that govern how vessels navigate in relation to one another to avoid collisions. Adopted by the IMO and binding on virtually all vessels, they are a cornerstone of safe navigation worldwide.
The rules set out, among much else: who gives way in different encounters (head-on, crossing, overtaking), the conduct of vessels in restricted visibility, safe speed and lookout, the requirements for lights and shapes that identify a vessel's type and status at night and by day, and sound and light signals. Compliance with the COLREGs is a fundamental duty of every watchkeeper, and breaches are a central issue in collision liability and casualty investigations. They are also foundational to the design of collision-avoidance technology and the emerging rules for autonomous vessels. The COLREGs are essential knowledge for anyone navigating a ship and a bedrock of maritime safety.
The COLREGs are the traffic laws of the sea — the shared rules that keep thousands of ships from colliding in shared waters. Every watchkeeper must know them, and they are decisive in apportioning blame after a collision. As the bedrock of navigational safety, they also shape collision-avoidance technology and the rules being written for autonomous ships.
What do the COLREGs cover?
Give-way rules for encounters, conduct in restricted visibility, safe speed and lookout, navigation lights and shapes, and sound and light signals.
Why do the COLREGs matter for liability?
Breaches of the collision regulations are central to determining fault in collision claims and casualty investigations.