COLREG Rules 1–41 — Printable Summary
Brief study summaries of COLREG Rules 1–41, grouped by Part. They do not reproduce the complete official rules or annexes. Use Print and choose “Save as PDF” to keep a copy; the number of printed pages depends on your settings.
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A
Part A — General
1–3- 1ApplicationCOLREG applies to all vessels on the high seas and in connected waters navigable by seagoing vessels, subject to closely conforming local special rules and IMO-adopted traffic separation schemes.
- 2ResponsibilityNothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel from the consequences of neglecting these Rules or neglecting any precaution required by ordinary practice of seamanship.
- 3General DefinitionsDefines key terms used throughout the COLREGs including vessel, power-driven vessel, sailing vessel, restricted visibility, and more.
B
Part B — Steering & Sailing Rules
4–19Section I.Conduct in any condition of visibility
- 4ApplicationRules in Section I apply in any condition of visibility.
- 5Look-outEvery vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means.
- 6Safe SpeedEvery vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that proper and effective action can be taken to avoid collision.
- 7Risk of CollisionEvery vessel shall use all available means to determine if risk of collision exists. If in doubt, such risk shall be deemed to exist.
- 8Action to Avoid CollisionAny action to avoid collision shall be positive, made in ample time, and with due regard to good seamanship.
- 9Narrow ChannelsA vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel which lies on her starboard side.
- 10Traffic Separation SchemesVessels using traffic separation schemes shall proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow.
Section II.Conduct in sight of one another
- 11ApplicationRules in this Section apply to vessels in sight of one another.
- 12Sailing VesselsWhen two sailing vessels approach, the one with wind on port side keeps clear. When both have wind on same side, the windward vessel keeps clear.
- 13OvertakingAny vessel overtaking another shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.
- 14Head-on SituationWhen two power-driven vessels in sight meet on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses with risk of collision, each shall alter to starboard to pass port to port.
- 15Crossing SituationWhen two power-driven vessels are crossing, the vessel which has the other on her starboard side shall keep out of the way.
- 16Action by Give-way VesselEvery vessel directed to keep out of the way shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.
- 17Action by Stand-on VesselThe stand-on vessel shall keep her course and speed, but may take action when it becomes apparent the give-way vessel is not acting.
- 18Responsibilities Between VesselsRule 18 sets the basic responsibilities between vessel types. Constrained-by-draught vessels receive special consideration but are not simply another rung in a fixed hierarchy.
C
Part C — Lights & Shapes
20–31- 20Application (Lights)Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise and during restricted visibility.
- 21Definitions (Lights)Defines masthead light, sidelights, sternlight, towing light, all-round light and flashing light.
- 22Visibility of LightsSpecifies minimum visibility ranges for lights based on vessel length.
- 23Power-driven Vessels UnderwayPower-driven vessels underway shall exhibit masthead light(s), sidelights, and sternlight. Vessels 50m+ require two masthead lights.
- 24Towing and PushingVessels towing or pushing display additional masthead lights and a yellow towing light. Three masthead lights if tow exceeds 200m.
- 25Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under OarsSailing vessels show sidelights and sternlight. May optionally show red over green all-round lights at the masthead.
- 26Fishing VesselsFishing vessels show green over white when trawling, red over white for other fishing, and sidelights plus sternlight when making way.
- 27Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Ability to ManoeuvreNUC shows two red all-round lights vertically. RAM shows red-white-red all-round lights vertically.
- 28Vessels Constrained by Their DraughtA vessel constrained by draught may display three all-round red lights in a vertical line, or a cylinder day shape.
- 29Pilot VesselsA pilot vessel on duty shows white over red all-round lights at the masthead. When underway, also sidelights and sternlight.
- 30Anchored Vessels and Vessels AgroundAnchored vessels show an all-round white light forward and another aft (lower). Vessels aground additionally show two red all-round lights.
- 31SeaplanesWhere it is impracticable for a seaplane to exhibit lights of the exact characteristics, it shall exhibit lights as closely similar as possible.
D
Part D — Sound & Light Signals
32–37- 32Definitions (Sound Signals)Whistle = any Annex III-compliant sound appliance. Short blast ≈ 1 s. Prolonged blast = 4-6 s. Get the duration wrong and the meaning changes.
- 33Equipment for Sound SignalsWhistle from 12 m, bell added from 20 m, gong added from 100 m — and the gong's tone must not be confused with the bell's.
- 34Manoeuvring and Warning SignalsOne short blast means starboard, two means port, three means astern propulsion, and five or more rapid blasts mean doubt or danger.
- 35Sound Signals in Restricted VisibilityIn restricted visibility, power-driven vessels making way sound one prolonged blast every 2 minutes. Vessels not making way sound two prolonged blasts.
- 36Signals to Attract AttentionIf necessary to attract attention, a vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any prescribed signal.
- 37Distress SignalsWhen in distress and requiring assistance, vessels shall use the signals described in Annex IV (red flares, SOS, MAYDAY, DSC, EPIRB and others).
E
Part E — Exemptions
38–38F
Part F — Verification of Compliance
39–41- 39Definitions (Verification of Compliance)Defines the terms used by Part F: audit, Audit Scheme, Code for Implementation and audit standard — the vocabulary of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme.
- 40Application (Verification of Compliance)Contracting Parties shall use the Code for Implementation when carrying out their obligations and responsibilities under the Convention.
- 41Verification of ComplianceEvery Contracting Party is subject to periodic IMO audits verifying its compliance with and implementation of the Convention.