As Amended September 18th 2020: 85 FR 58268. The International Rules in this book were formalized in the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, and became effective on July 15, 1977. The Rules (commonly called 72 COLREGS) are part of the Convention, and vessels flying the flags of states ratifying the treaty are bound to the Rules. The United States has ratified this treaty and all United States flag vessels must adhere to these Rules where applicable.
These Rules are applicable on waters outside of established navigational lines of demarcation. The lines are called COLREGS Demarcation Lines and delineate those waters upon which mariners shall comply with the Inland and International Rules. COLREGS Demarcation Lines are contained in this book.
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INTRODUCTION iv
LEGAL CITATIONS vi
CONVERSION TABLE vii
NAVIGATION RULES 1
PART A—GENERAL 2
RULE 1 Application 2
RULE 2 Responsibility 6
RULE 3 General Definitions 6
PART B—STEERING AND SAILING RULES 12
Section I—Conduct of Vessels in Any Condition of Visibility 12
RULE 4 Application 12
RULE 5 Look-out 12
RULE 6 Safe Speed 14
RULE 7 Risk of Collision 16
RULE 8 Action to Avoid Collision 18
RULE 9 Narrow Channels 20
RULE 10 Traffic Separation Schemes 22
Section II—Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another 26
RULE 11 Application 26
RULE 12 Sailing Vessels 26
RULE 13 Overtaking 28
RULE 14 Head-on Situation 30
RULE 15 Crossing Situation 30
RULE 16 Action by Give-way Vessel 32
RULE 18 Responsibilities Between Vessels 34
Section III—Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility 36
RULE 19 Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility 36
PART C—LIGHTS AND SHAPES 38
RULE 20 Application 38
RULE 21 Definitions 40
RULE 22 Visibility of Lights 42
RULE 23 Power-driven Vessels Underway 44
RULE 24 Towing and Pushing 52
RULE 25 Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars 72
RULE 26 Fishing Vessels 80
RULE 27 Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Their Ability to Maneuver 88
ii RULE 28 Vessels Constrained by Their Draft 102
RULE 29 Pilot Vessels 104
RULE 30 Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground 106
RULE 31 Seaplanes 112
PART D—SOUND AND LIGHT SIGNALS 114
RULE 32 Definitions 114
RULE 33 Equipment for Sound Signals 114
RULE 34 Maneuvering and Warning Signals 116
RULE 35 Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility 120
RULE 36 Signals to Attract Attention 124
RULE 37 Distress Signals 126
PART E—EXEMPTIONS 128
RULE 38 Exemptions 128
ANNEX I - Positioning and Technical Details of Lights and Shapes 132
ANNEX II - Additional Signals for Fishing Vessels Fishing in Close Proximity 150
ANNEX III - Technical Details of Sound Signal Appliances 152
ANNEX IV - Distress Signals 162
ANNEX V (33 CFR 88) - Pilot Rules 167
INTERPRETATIVE RULES 174
COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES 176
PENALTY PROVISIONS 199
Violations of International Navigation Rules and Regulations 199
Violations of Inland Navigation Rules and Regulations 199
Penalties for Negligent Operations 200
Duties Related to Marine Casualty Assistance and Information 200
Duty to Provide Assistance at Sea 200
Injunctions 200
ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE 204
WATERS SPECIFIED BY THE SECRETARY 207
VESSEL BRIDGE-TO-BRIDGE RADIOTELEPHONE REGULATIONS 208
Naval and Coast Guard Officers, mariners such as civil ocean going vessel captains and helmspersons, Astronomers, scientists, and others interested in nautical guidance and data would find this publication informative and useful.
